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By Katie Hayden
Imagine walking into an interview for one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country, sitting down in front of Dr. Gregg, and being asked, “If you were a pie, what kind of pie would you be and why?”
While my immediate thought was, “What kind of question is that?” I quickly pulled it together and responded that I would be a derby pie. Here are a few reasons I said I responded as I did:
● Derby pie is made up of many ingredients. With a rich filling full of chocolate chips, pecans, butter, sugar, eggs, and bourbon, there are many different flavors that go into making derby pie what it is. In a similar way, there are many different experiences in my life and values I hold that contribute to who I am as a person and how I am known by others.
● Derby pie carries a sense of Kentucky tradition and cultural significance. Being a derby pie means I am part of this beloved tradition and share my pride in where I am from with people wherever I go.
● Derby pie is known locally, state-wide, and across the nation. If I were a derby pie, the things I contribute to this world will be known in the same way.
As I reflect on the past four years as a McConnell Scholar, I can see so much growth in myself. From the knowledge I have gained in the classroom to the great works I have studied in the seminar room to the life experiences I have gained through various leadership positions, I cannot be anything but thankful for my college experience here at UofL. While I have grown and changed so much, my response would still be the same; however, I have added a few more reasons to the list:
● Derby pie brings joy with every bite. I hope to be the person that makes someone smile each day with every encounter I have.
● Derby pie is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways on various occasions; however, if you manipulate the recipe too much, it will no longer be the sweet treat we know and love. I hope to always remain versatile while also holding firm to my core “ingredients” that make me who I am.
● Pie is typically served during a celebration where lasting memories are made. As a derby pie, I want to bring people together and remind them of the most important things in life.
● Lastly, derby pie is unique. While there are many kinds of pies, derby pie sets me apart with my distinctive flavor and ingredients. As a derby pie, I hope to always embrace my individuality and never be afraid to stand out in a crowd.
My time in the McConnell Center has been sweeter than derby pie. The experiences I have, memories I have made, and thoughts I have shared have contributed to the unique flavor that makes me who I am, and I will carry them with me as I step into this new phase of life.
Katie, of Owensboro, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2024 at the University of Louisville. She studies neuroscience and political science.