Kaden McKee ’27

When Someone Believes in You

For a long time, Kaden wasn’t confident that college was for him.

After high school, he took a gap year and then attended two different technical colleges. Kaden admitted these experiences were overwhelming and created more self-doubt.

“I didn’t think I was smart enough,” he admitted.

But everything changed when Kaden visited Edgewood University.

What began as a campus tour quickly evolved into something more. He discovered a welcoming space where he was known by name, professors took a genuine interest in his success, and support extended beyond the classroom. Feeling this was “exactly what I need,” Kaden fully engaged in admissions events, explored campus, and found himself drawn to a place that immediately felt different.

Most importantly, he found people who believed in him.

Kaden said professors see him as a whole person—not simply a student sitting in their class. They have challenged him, encouraged him, and helped him recognize strengths he hadn’t fully seen in himself. As his confidence grew, so did his academic success.

The experience transformed more than his grades. It helped him discover his purpose.

Drawn to Edgewood by the Cutting Edge program, Kaden knew he wanted to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Seeing a program like Cutting Edge on campus communicated to him that this was a special place where inclusion isn’t just discussed—it’s practiced.

Today, he serves as a mentor, helping fellow students navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and build confidence of their own.

“It brings great joy to my heart to help people,” he said. “I encourage them to strive to be 1% better each day, and I feel personally invested in their struggles and successes. To be even a small part of their journey is a blessing—one that has a significant impact on my life, too.”

Through experiential learning opportunities like visiting youth detention centers and drug court programs to learning directly from social workers, educators, and community leaders, Kaden began to see the impact that compassionate support can have on a person’s life. Those experiences ultimately helped shape his professional goals and strengthened his desire to pursue a career in social work or special education.

Kaden’s story has come full circle. The student who once questioned whether he belonged in college is now helping others discover their own potential. By meeting people where they are, encouraging growth, and leading with empathy, he is already making a difference—right here.