Alumni Spotlight: Kait Burke

Kait was recently named November 2024 voluteer of the month by Girls Scouts of Maine, so we thought we would catch up with her to see what she’s been up to!

Hometown: Fairfield, ME
UMM graduation year: 2011
Degree Program: Interdisciplinary Fine Arts

Please tell us a little bit about what you are doing now.

While I’m a stay home parent now, I fill many of my hours with being a Girl Scout troop leader and volunteer. This year I volunteered to help train other leaders in camping skills so they can bring their own troops outside, became archery certified, became low ropes course trained, organized sister-troop overnights, brought my own troop camping a few times and I have an Lego Derby event I organized coming up in mid-November. I’m proud of my troop scouts and want them to experience so much while in Girl Scouts so I fill my calendar with activities with them or to better my leader skills.

What is the most valuable thing you learned while at UMM?

My sisterhood with KAK taught me how to be an aware leader for others, how to volunteer and give my time to others, and it helped my self-confidence immensely. These are all skills I use now to be the best GS leader and GSME volunteer I can.

Do you have any advice for current students at UMaine Machias?

Trying new things often leads to creating friendships that will stay with you through life.

How did your time at UMaine Machias prepare you for what you are doing now?

I did not have self-confidence when graduating high school, attending UMM and joining KAK truly helped me become the person, volunteer, and leader I am now. I will stand up for myself and others and always encourage my girls to do the same.

How has UMM made a positive impact on your life?

Learning aside, I am happily married to the guy I meet freshman year and we have a great little family. I always stay in contact with many of my UMM friends both Greek and not. Atlthough I don’t currently use my degree, the connections I made have lasted 17 years and going.