Major: Psychology and Health Medicine and Society (double major), minoring in Theater
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Object: Pottery gnome made during her freshman year with Micah Manabat ’26
Meaning Behind the Object:
For many college students, the first day of freshman year is a blur of boxes, nerves and the daunting task of starting over. For Kaitlyn Campbell ’26, a double major in psychology and health, medicine, and society, that transition from Dallas to Lehigh was anchored by a chance encounter in a parking lot and a small, painted pottery figure.
Campbell shared the story of a small gnome made during a painting event for first-year students. While the object itself is a charming keepsake, its true value lies in the person who sat beside her while she painted it: her friend Micah Manabat.
Campbell and Manabat’s friendship began with a serendipitous parking spot and the realization that they were next-door neighbors in the dorms. That first painting session wasn't just a craft night; it was the birth of a community.
"She was the catalyst of my entire friend group," Campbell reflects. "She was the first person to bridge my entire community at Lehigh." In a world where colege friendships can often feel "wishy-washy," Campbell found a rare, unshakable foundation. Her group is a mosaic of different backgrounds and perspectives, yet they share a deep sense of belonging.
As Campbell prepares to head to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she looks back at her time with a sense of "immense gratitude." Her career goal is to foster equitable workplace cultures, a path inspired by the inclusive community she helped build at school.
When asked what advice she would give to incoming students, her message is clear: Don’t let fear hold you back. "Go out for the things that interest you but might scare you... everyone is new, and we’re all doing this new thing together."
Campbell’s pottery memento serves as a "touchstone" for her journey and a reminder that a simple invitation to paint can lead to a lifetime of connection.
The Class of 2026 reflects on the keepsakes, memories and milestones that shaped their Lehigh experience. Through personal stories and meaningful objects, these Future Makers share moments of growth, discovery and connection. Read the stories behind the keepsakes, or view the expanded photo essay.
