“Careful, there’s precious cargo in there!” warned Kathryn Richardson, as her parents helped move her into Yocum Hall in August 2021. Richardson, who came to the U of A from Austin, Texas, was overheard saying this as cameras rolled nearby to capture footage for the university’s documentary, “If This Walk Could Talk.”

Little did Richardson know, those snippets of her interacting with her parents on move-in day would be forever included as part of the documentary. Fast forward to 2025, and she is about to leave another lasting mark – her name on Senior Walk.

Richardson says she came to the university because she wanted to experience college outside of her home state of Texas. After visiting it one snowy day for a campus tour, she knew this was where she wanted to be.

“The U of A has exceeded my expectations by providing me with great academic opportunities, amazing faculty and opportunities for growth,” she said.

One of the most impactful parts of her experience has been the friendships she’s made.

“My best friends have played a huge role in helping me feel at home. They have become my biggest support system, constantly encouraging me and reminding me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to, including getting through law school.”

Richardson is a criminology major in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and does, indeed, have her sights set on law school. During her time at the U of A, she served as the vice president and president of the Criminology Honor Society and has interned with MGW Law since 2023. This real-world experience – provided as part of an internship class at the university – has supplemented her learning in the classroom by providing opportunities to work alongside lawyers in the Fayetteville community on civil court cases.

“Actually being able to do the work myself – and not just hearing about it – and seeing how excited I get about getting to go to court…just reinforces that this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” she said. “I want to go to law school. I want to be an attorney. I love to do this type of stuff.”

If Richardson could go back in time to greet that incoming freshman in the parking lot of Yocum Hall, what advice would she give?

“Don’t be afraid to get involved. I waited until my junior year to get involved outside of my internship, and I wish I had done it sooner,” she said, noting that meeting peers who had the same major and interests really helped establish meaningful connections.

“I’ve had the best four years,” she said. “It feels like I got everything out of college in these four years that I was supposed to get.”

For more student success stories like Kathryn's, check out some of our previous #MyPathToSeniorWalk features: Erick Soto, Kennedy Hicks, Rachell Sanchez-Smith, Gary Jackson, Ismael Salgado, Angel Williams, Michaela Parks, Mishek Musa and others at our #MyPathToSeniorWalk website. If you have a story that you'd like told or know someone who has an inspiring story, please check out the nomination form.