Caroline Rairigh didn’t expect to hear her name called when the Outstanding Senior Award was announced during Presbyterian College’s annual Honors Day Convocation. But the psychology major and French minor from Dahlonega, Georgia, rose to her feet and walked across the stage—equal parts stunned and grateful.
The award, one of the college’s highest student honors, recognizes a graduating senior who exemplifies scholarship, leadership, character, and service. For Rairigh, the moment was the culmination of four years marked by academic exploration, athletic dedication, and unexpected opportunities.
“I just feel very, very honored and flattered,” she said. “In the most humble way—oh my gosh. I know I have the skills, but it’s still one of those, ‘Wait, they really picked me. This is me.’”
FROM UNCERTAINTY TO OPPORTUNITY
Rairigh’s journey to PC began in uncertainty. As a high school senior, she was unsure where she wanted to attend college. That changed when she received a message from a coach at Presbyterian College expressing interest in her as a potential student-athlete.
“It was one of the best surprises of my senior year,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to find a place that felt like such a perfect fit.”
Once on campus, Rairigh threw herself into student life. She became an honors student, joined the women’s cross-country team, and began laying the groundwork for a career in clinical psychology. Though she arrived with only a broad interest in the field, she quickly found a niche in psychological research—particularly in studying loneliness.
RESEARCHING LONELINESS ON CAMPUS
Under the guidance of Dr. Drew Brandel, assistant professor of psychology, Rairigh developed her senior honors thesis and Summer Fellows project: “Combating Loneliness and Fostering Connection Among College Students.”
The study, inspired by recent public health reports declaring loneliness a growing epidemic, examined how self-reflection exercises might affect students’ sense of social belonging.
“Loneliness is entirely perception-based,” Rairigh said. “You can measure whether someone is alone, but measuring whether they feel lonely is more complex. We wanted to see if self-reflection could shift that perception.”
The project unfolded in three phases. First, participants completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale and a social belonging survey. Next, they engaged in weekly journaling exercises focused on personal relationships, group affiliations, and social media habits. After three weeks, the original surveys were re-administered to measure changes in mindset.
The results showed an increase in students’ awareness of their existing support systems, though not necessarily in their motivation to form new connections.
“We saw that self-reflection helped them recognize the people already in their lives,” Rairigh said. “But we didn’t see a major shift in behavior. That’s something future research could explore.”
What began as a research requirement quickly turned into a passion.
“I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the research process,” she said. “But getting to spend time diving into the literature, developing a study, and analyzing the results was an incredible experience.”
BALANCING BOOKS AND THE FINISH LINE
Outside the lab, Rairigh was just as committed to athletics. A four-year member of the Blue Hose women’s cross-country team, she trained through early mornings and long afternoons while managing the rigorous demands of her academic program.
“I’ve been an athlete for most of my life, so balancing running and school has always been part of my routine,” she said. “At the Division I level, it’s definitely a challenge—but I love both, so it makes it easier.”
Her time as a student-athlete helped her develop skills that translated directly into the classroom and the research lab.
“You have to be really intentional with your time,” she said. “There are days when I go from practice straight to the library. It’s not always easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Rairigh said that prioritizing mental and physical well-being was also crucial to maintaining balance.
“I try to make sure I take some time for myself,” she said. “Even if it’s just a short break, it’s important to step back and reset.”
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Rairigh has already been accepted into a summer research position at Duke University, where she will work in Dr. Nancy L. Zucker’s psychology lab studying eating disorders. She hopes the experience will bolster her résumé for future Ph.D. applications in clinical psychology.
Although she wasn’t accepted into a Ph.D. program this cycle, Rairigh remains undeterred.
“We’re just finding new plan A’s,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll be reapplying with more experience next time around. Right now, I’m keeping my options open, but I know I want to help people—whether that’s through therapy, research, or something else.”
THE PC DIFFERENCE
As her final semester comes to a close, Rairigh said she feels confident in her preparation for what comes next. She credits Presbyterian College with offering unique opportunities for one-on-one mentorship and leadership.
“I wouldn’t have had the same one-on-one opportunities with professors at a larger school,” she said. “PC has given me the chance to do real research, develop relationships with faculty, and grow both academically and personally.”
Reflecting on her college experience, she describes it in one word: unexpected.
“Everything about PC has been wonderfully unpredictable,” she said. “If I could go back and give freshman Caroline a preview of what these four years would be like, I think she’d be floored.”
She also recognizes the support of her parents, Ridge and Heather Rairigh, for encouraging her academic and athletic pursuits.
“They’ve always encouraged me to pursue what I love,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
A VOICE FOR THE CLASS OF 2025
As the college’s Outstanding Senior, Rairigh has also been chosen to deliver a commencement address for the Class of 2025 on May 10.
“I’m trying to make sure there’s enough of me speaking through,” she said. “I hope I live up to the expectations.”
Her speech, much like her PC experience, will reflect a mix of humility, wit, and sincerity.
“It’s just such an honor,” Rairigh said. “I’ve had the chance to grow here in ways I never expected, and now I get to speak on behalf of the people who made that possible. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
