Why FYDE: Kim LaCava

By: Kim LaCava

I knew when I came to college I wanted to put myself out there and join some sort of club where I could meet new people and be involved. Luckily, I went to the student involvement fair and I found IUDM! I am so grateful I found out about IUDM so early because I then got to join the First Year Dancer Experience (FYDE)! FYDE is the perfect explanation of what it means to be a part of IUDM, I participated in the dance marathon at my high school and I live close to Riley Hospital, so I already kind of knew what it was all about. But what I didn’t know was how much more I was about to learn and love about Riley. We had our weekly FYDE meetings where you hear Riley stories, inspiration for the week, and get to learn so much about IUDM. It is so easy to make friends here because we’re all connected through a shared purpose. I made friendships with people I never thought I'd be so close with. Through every step of the way I had my mentors who made me feel so welcome and valued on their team. Through FYDE I went to Day of Hope and fundraised all day long, I was a 36 hour dancer at the marathon and made memories I will never forget. I stayed up late playing games, hearing Riley stories from Riley families, watched one of the funniest Elvis impersonators perform, and a million other fun things that I will look forward to every year. After the marathon it calms down a bit more and they really walk you through the different committees as you're getting ready to join one. We heard from committee members themselves and it was such a huge help in deciding. I landed on Public Relations, which I am very happy to call home. I have friends from IUDM that I will cherish for life, these are the funniest and most amazing people. Even today, and until my senior year, I look forward to every Wednesday where I get to see my people. I will be forever grateful I got to experience FYDE and I look forward to the rest of my IUDM journey!