Name: Colton Morton
District: Ohio
Year in school: First year graduate student.
University: University of Cincinnati
Major: Master’s degree in educational studies with a concentration in education and social change
Career ambition: I aim to work full time as a middle or high school social studies educator.
Any clubs or campus activities in addition to CKI: I am employed as an academic support tutor, balancing my CKI involvement as a grad student and a part-time job. During my undergrad at Miami University, I was involved with too many things, but I will list my favorite: Education, Health and Society Ambassador program, Miami University Urban Cohort (a community-based and social-justice-based organization) and Kappa Delta Pi national education honor society.
Why did you join CKI? I joined CKI to continue with the Kiwanis family as a Key Club alum. I wanted to learn more and grow upon my leadership skills and find a family of friends from my university and district.
Why did you apply for the board of trustees? I want to take my own CKI experiences and help others better understand their own by offering advice and friendship.
What are you excited about? I am looking forward to working with and getting to know the international board, my district governor and their boards, club members and officers! As a trustee, I want to help folks through the everyday life of a CKI member or officer. I hope to become a better friend and leader through this opportunity.
What do you like most about CKI? I like that fellowship is one of our tenants. It is something that has grown upon friendships with others as personal and professional growth and opportunities through networking and forming lasting relationships. Teaching is my profession, and in a lot of ways, fellowship is one of the many things that is encompassed in my job (as it is for many).
Favorite CKI memory: My favorite professor from my undergrad helped lead a DEI-related workshop at my Fall Rally during my term as governor. This was during my senior year amid COVID-19, so it was already a busy time. Both of my worlds (CKI and education/social justice work) collided, and I loved it. It was a humbling experience.
Favorite movie or tv show: “Emily in Paris” and “Sex Education.”
Favorite book: “The Fountains of Silence” by Ruta Sepetys (historical fiction!).
Favorite food or snack: Reese’s peanut butter cups (unwrapped/holiday) and comfort food (especially homemade noodles).
Hobbies outside CKI: Hanging out with friends or my boyfriend, traveling, shopping, going to sporting events.
Who is your hero and why? Tammy Schwartz, a Miami professor and the director of the Urban Cohort. She has a genuine care and love for people and wants to create meaningful change for the better. I look up to her a lot because of that.
Somewhere you’d like to travel: Germany, Portugal, Greece, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico.
Favorite animal: Cats.
Do you collect anything? Too many unread books, oh and pop/soda tabs!
Something people might not know about you. I’ve busted my head open twice!
Best advice you have received: Ooh, good question! Too many pieces of advice to list?
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher!