Katie King ’26, biology and dance, completed an ambitious double degree, and not only thrived but also became co-captain of the UMBC Dance Team and worked for the admissions office as a Grit Guide. Looking forward, she plans to become a physician assistant, and hopes to find ways to combine her love of both dance and biology.
Q: What attracted you to UMBC?
A: I knew I wanted to double major in biology and dance. I’m planning to go into the medical field, so biology was the route I needed to take, but I have been dancing since I was three. When looking at colleges, a lot of them told me I had to choose, but UMBC allowed me to do both. I was accepted into the Linehan Artist Scholars Program, so that also drew me here—I really love the possibilities and experiences that the program gives.
Q: How did the Linehan Artist Scholars Program impact your time at UMBC?
A: My experience began with the first-year seminar, and that class really helped me get more exposure and awareness to the other arts. As a dancer of many years, I really only stuck to dance, so I never really dove into the music or the theatre sides, and I didn’t know a lot about visual arts at all. That class really helped open my eyes—we did skits, we had to learn how to play music. In the second year, we had to do service hours, and that was rewarding. I did service hours within the dance department, and it was nice to feel like I was giving back to a bigger cause. The different trips that we got to go on with the Linehan program were super fun—twice to New York and once to Philly, to visit art museums and see performances. I was also in the Living-Learning Community in Harbor Hall, living right next to everyone in my cohort.
Q: Can you share more about your dance and biology double major?
A: I knew I wanted to be in the medical field since I was little. My dolls would be wrapped in casts, and I bought my own crutches when I was 7 at the pharmacy! At the same time, I’ve been dancing since I can remember. For a while, I thought of going into physical therapy, combining my dance and biology backgrounds. Now, I’m thinking of becoming a physician assistant. Both dance and biology have been passions, and I haven’t wanted to give up either one. I worked in a physical therapy office for 5 or 6 years, and there I got the idea to specialize in dancers. So that was the route I thought for a while until I switched to physician’s assistant, but I’m hoping at some point those fields intercross.
Q: How did being a Grit Guide impact your experience?
A: During my freshman year, I joined the UMBC Dance Team to get more involved on campus, and the coach said that the admissions office was hiring. I was brought on as a visual and performing arts tour guide for dance, but later became a general tour guide, and it shaped my entire experience at UMBC. I’ve done it for four years now. Working with professional staff, I gained skill sets that I’ll be able to use in the future, especially if I go into the medical field or work with the public again.
Q: What motivated you to join the UMBC Dance Team?
A; At the start of my freshman year, I didn’t join anything—I thought I needed to get acclimated. But by November, I was bored! I’ve never been the kind of person who isn’t involved—I have to be going all the time. So I decided to try out for the Dance Team, and I was accepted. It was a super fun experience. During my last two years, I was co-captain for the team and built so many friendships. I love basketball and used to play, but had to give it up for dance. With the Dance Team, I could both dance and watch basketball, and this year they won championships—life was good! It was probably my favorite part of college.
Q: How did you maintain a work-life balance?
A: I prioritize sleep, and get eight hours every night. My calendar is my best friend, truthfully. A lot of my shifts for tour guides were in the mornings, and then I had classes, and then rehearsals at night, and then a 3 or 4-hour block at the end of the night where I would do homework. I didn’t do a lot of hanging out in general besides those things—my social time was being at those events and at work.
Q: Were there faculty or staff who made a difference for you?
A: Definitely Ann Sofie Clemmensen—I call her my school mom! She was my dance advisor, but also became my unintentional biology advisor. At the start of my freshman year, we sat down, and she helped me plan out all four years, saying, “We’re going to get you out in four years, both degrees done.” We planned everything out. We met all the time, and I text and call her all the time. She’s always been there.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: I’m applying to physician assistant school and hope to start somewhere in January. Over the summer, though, I’ll be visiting Portugal, Spain, England, France, and Switzerland. I’m so excited—I haven’t been to Europe.
Q: What advice would you give to new students?
A: My advice would be to stay true to yourself and always go after what you want. I was told many times that I couldn‘t do both degrees, and then I found a way. Get involved. That changed my whole trajectory here at UMBC. It’s hard to get out of your shell sometimes, and hard to put yourself out there, but it’s so rewarding, especially here. Step out of your comfort zone!