As a first-year student at CMC, Kylee Tevis ’26 landed a job in the Story House mailroom that launched her leadership journey at CMC.
“Standing at the window and handing out packages, I got to know the community in a small but meaningful way. I came to appreciate how quickly unfamiliar faces could turn into recognizable ones,” said Tevis, a Philosophy major from nearby Pasadena, Calif.
“College is often described as a stepping stone, but for most of us, CMC is much more than that. It’s home.”
Set to graduate soon, Tevis reflects on her time at CMC, which included serving as ASCMC President and on the Presidential Search Committee, mentoring as a First-Year Guide, and helping to launch the Tiny Hub Concert series.
What compelled you to become involved with student leadership at CMC?
Student government wasn’t something I was initially drawn to. As a first-generation college student who had been homeschooled, I entered CMC feeling out of place in an environment that seemed overwhelmingly confident and accomplished.
That sense of connection (sparked while working in the Story House mailroom) eventually turned into a desire to contribute more intentionally. I decided to run for Junior Class President, motivated less by a long-standing interest in student government and more by a growing investment in the community itself. In that role, I began to understand the real impact student government could have, especially through collaboration with the DOS, staff, and faculty who are deeply committed to improving student life. I ran for Student Body President committed to helping shape the kind of community that I had found my place in.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of from your time as ASCMC President?
I had the unique opportunity to serve as the student representative on the Presidential Search Committee (which led to the selection of President-elect Will Dudley). Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the everyday operations of the College—much of which students rarely see but benefit from constantly. It was inspiring to work alongside faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni who remain deeply committed to CMC’s mission years after graduating, and embody servant leadership. Seeing their long-term dedication made me even more appreciative of the community we have here and excited for the College’s future.
Beyond specific initiatives, I am most proud of the ASCMC Executive Board itself. Our success has not been defined by a single moment. Instead, our collective growth into confident leaders and collaborators has been the most rewarding outcome of my presidency.
Tell us about the leadership skills you’ve developed at CMC and how you’ve been able to use those skills.
One of my biggest takeaways from leadership at CMC has been learning to lead through small things. Leadership most frequently looks less like major decisions and more like taking the time to understand people, noticing when someone needs support, and showing up consistently in ways that can start to feel mundane and unimportant but matter way more than they seem.
To me, responsible leadership means leading through integrity—not shying away from difficult conversations, but seeking them out. It means going into every interaction ready to listen and learn. It means understanding that a title is the least important part of leadership. CMC’s mission has always framed leadership as something in service of others, and finding a shared goal to work collectively towards.
How do you describe the CMC community?
Many people say community is their favorite part of CMC, but its depth is difficult to understand without experiencing it firsthand. The CMC community is vibrant, caring, and deeply ambitious—and somehow those things coexist without feeling contradictory. Students who have secured their dream jobs still feel genuinely sad about leaving this tiny, rigorous liberal arts college, and I think that says everything.
College is often described as a stepping stone, but for most of us, CMC is much more than that. It’s home. We are so lucky to be surrounded by this level of intellect, passion, and genuine friendliness every day. While I have learned a great deal in the classroom, the people here have taught me more than I ever could have anticipated, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.
Commencement is right around the corner. What are you feeling in these final days on campus? What do you hope is next for you?
I am deeply grateful for my experience at CMC. I’m a first-generation college student, and my parents made real sacrifices to help me get here. It feels strange—and a little surreal—to think that so many of the things and people that have become central to my life will soon be memories I visit occasionally rather than a world I live inside every day. I’ve been trying to stay present and soak in these last few weeks, and in doing so I’ve felt a quiet but profound sense of closure and gratitude. Looking back, I truly couldn't have imagined a more meaningful or fulfilling college experience.
As much as I’ve loved my time here, I’m also ready for what comes next. There’s something exciting about taking everything I’ve learned and stepping into a new environment with it. After graduation, I plan to spend some time working before applying to law school. In the meantime, I hope to keep learning in every way I can—and to hold onto the habits of curiosity and connection that CMC instilled in me.