In the Spotlight

17 January 2017

“In the Spotlight”. . . Meet Kaden Colton

-submitted by Jan Crane


I am a recent graduate of the University of Utah. While there, my studies included atmospheric and environmental science and geography. Student groups, such as Students for Queer Arts, Resistance and Education, American Sign Language Club, Environmental Club and the American Meteorological Society student chapter got me to think critically about what I wanted to do once I finished university. While at the U, I also tutored people in math and geosciences. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Atmospheric Science with emphasis in natural disasters management.

I was recently accepted into a graduate school for a Master of Science in Geography; I’m hoping to work out the finances. If I can’t, I am also applying for work in the fields of environmental science, atmospheric research, emergency management, and fire safety engineering.

While studying at the U, I wanted to work in fields that would give me relevant experience. For the past few years, I’ve had summer jobs the National Forest Service in Ogden, The Centre for Atmospheric Research in Christchurch (New Zealand) and TRIO at the University of Utah. I also worked at the National Weather Service in Salt Lake where my interest focused on fire weather interactions.

Other pursuits I enjoy are nature photography, painting, spoken word poetry, learning new languages, and computing math. My poetry revolves around disability, activism, LGBT issues and what normalcy means. The languages I know are English and American Sign Language and I’m now studying French, New Zealand Sign Language and Irish. I’m intrigued by spatial statistics and basic calculus. I really consider myself a lifelong learner- always learning is important and sharing that knowledge can help enlighten other people. In the future, I would like to become a professor at a university.

In 2010, while in high school, I was introduced to the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake by a good friend of mine who invited me to Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU). Since then I started to attend regular church services and became an official member by recently signing the book. I have finally found a spiritual place I can call home, a place where I can come and be safe. First Church enriches my life by connecting me to others who think critically about what is occurring around us and where I can engage with so many interesting people from a variety of backgrounds. It is great to know people who are involved in making a difference in Salt Lake City and beyond. Currently, I am involved with the Hospitality Committee, the Small Group Ministry, Anti-Racism Committee and the Young Adult Group. A quote that guides my life is “Nothing about us without us is for us.” I pledge because First Unitarian Church is important in my life- it gives me hope for a better and more progressive future in Utah.