Kaden Wheeler '25 (SUNY Geneseo/Matt Burkhartt)
Meet Kaden Wheeler ‘25, a biology and sociomedical science major with a college honors program minor, from Waverly, New York. Wheeler has been involved with a number of clubs and on campus organizations, including serving as a crew chief for the Geneseo First Response (GFR), a student-run emergency medical service (EMS) volunteer group. He is also an athletic trainer assistant, a tour guide, and has conducted research with Lecturer Barnabas Gikonyo, PhD, and plans to apply for medical school after graduating in December of this year.
Q. What have you found most valuable about your time at Geneseo?
A. The Geneseo community is incredibly kind, welcoming, and supportive, whether it’s my friends and classmates or the faculty and staff. There’s a saying: “The people you surround yourself with shape who you become,” I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by genuinely remarkable individuals. From the mentorship of faculty across various departments to the guidance of staff members and the lessons shared by upper-class students in clubs and organizations, the support and inspiration I’ve received have been important to my growth and success.
Q. What was one challenge you were presented with and overcame at Geneseo?
A. Balancing my involvement in campus activities and organizations with my academic responsibilities was a challenge. I had to step back, reflect deeply, and prioritize what was most important to me. Through that process, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and focusing on the activities that align most with my goals and values. It wasn’t easy, but it’s a lesson I’m grateful for and continue to carry with me.
Q. What drew your field of study?
A. I chose biology as my major because I’ve always loved science and wanted to build a strong foundation for medical school. During my first year, I took a sociology class—Sociology of Medicine—that opened my eyes to the broader social perspectives and approaches to healthcare. Seeing how societal factors influence medicine inspired me to pursue a second major in sociomedical sciences. These fields allow me to explore both the scientific and social aspects of healthcare, preparing me for a well-rounded medical career.
Q. In what ways have you grown as a student and as a person here at Geneseo?
A. Since my first year, I have experienced significant academic and personal growth. As a student, I’ve become much more open-minded to the limitless possibilities within academics. Initially, I viewed education as something confined to my specific majors, but I’ve realized how interconnected disciplines are and how much there is to explore. This curiosity has encouraged me to take classes outside my comfort zone and embrace new perspectives, enriching my understanding of the world.
I’ve developed greater resilience and adaptability. Navigating the challenges of college life—whether academic setbacks, balancing responsibilities, or stepping into new experiences—has taught me how to persevere and grow through adversity. I’ve become more reflective and open to learning from these moments, which has helped me better understand myself and what I value. These experiences have shaped me into a more well-rounded, open-minded, and determined individual, ready to take on whatever comes next.
Q. What advice would you give to an incoming student?
A. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—you’re not alone in feeling uncertain or nervous. Embrace the discomfort and use it as an opportunity to grow. College is the perfect time to try new things, meet new people, and gain experiences you’ve never had before. You might not love everything you try, but even those experiences can help shape your path and clarify what’s important to you. So take a chance, explore, and make the most of this exciting chapter in your life.
Q. Can you pinpoint one thing that made Geneseo feel like home?
A. The First Knight event. First Knight is a special part of orientation programming where, right after move-in, all first-year students gather on Saratoga Field for an exciting celebration. There were local food vendors, fair-style activities, music, and fireworks. That evening, I wasn’t sure what to expect—I didn’t know many people yet, and the whole experience felt new and overwhelming. But as I joined in, met people, and joined the festivities, I felt a sense of belonging. That night, I met some of my first friends at Geneseo—friends who are still among my closest today. Since then, every class, meeting, and event I’ve attended has grown that feeling, making Geneseo feel like home.