On a sunny day in May, Kaitleen To was looking forward to finishing three AP final exams in three days, Government, Literature and Statistics, and was enjoying being in the final stretch of her senior year at Whitefish High School. 

After doing gymnastics for eight years before high school, To concentrated on classwork and clubs in high school, participating in DECA, the Leo Club and NHS.  

In the fall, she’ll head to Flathead Valley Community College to pursue a career her mother suggested. 

"I want to be a radiology tech, that's the plan,” To said. “I'm very excited for that.” 

FVCC offers a two-year program to become a certified radiology technician and To finds the option for additional education appealing.  

"I haven't thought too much about other fields of medicine. I don't do well with needles or the blood,” she said. "Whereas, my oldest brother, Kyle, he's in nursing right now, so he deals with all of that.” 

Daniel, her other older brother, also attended FVCC and is transferring to Montana State University to continue studying engineering. 

After college, To hopes to find a job in a local hospital so she can stay close to home. 

“Then I can help my parents with their business and whatnot,” she said. “My mom and my dad have the China Wall. We have Romaji Espresso in C. Falls. We have Falls Coin Wash in C. Falls. And then we also have Naturally Clean in Whitefish.”

To’s mom, Jean, is from the Philippines, her dad, Eric, is from Vietnam, and they met in Whitefish. Their three kids were born in the valley and To says they practically grew up in the family’s restaurant. 

High school presented To with all the regular challenges: “just figuring out everything, navigating what I want to be, who I want to be, solidifying my morals, beliefs,” along with an extra one. 

“I'm just putting it out there — there wasn't a lot of diversity when my brothers and I went to school, and sometimes it would just be us,” To said.  

The lack of diversity did not stop To from making friends and being a vital part of the school. 

“That was also something that I had to figure out throughout high school — what do I want to be for other people, and what do I want from other people, as well?” she said. “I have a pretty tight knit set of friends.” 

Her friends might describe To as supportive, kind, and someone who is there for you. 

“I just really enjoyed making all of the friendships and like relationships I've had," she said. “It's definitely made me realize that other people are there to help support you, and that would definitely be something that I would just remember forever.” 

Another memorable experience was working with special needs students when To was in her junior year.
"That was my favorite class ever. I think all of those kids are awesome,” she said. “I love the teachers and all of the other aides, and they were just some of the funniest, most genuine people.”

She was also crowned Princess Freya during the Whitefish Winter Carnival in her junior year, and she described her time with the Winter Carnival royalty as unique and amazing.
“I feel like I'm not exactly the most extroverted person, but I thought this would be a great opportunity to try something new,” she said. “I'm very happy that I got it. I think all of the traveling was really fun. I can't say anything bad about anyone, because they were great people.
“It definitely had me come out of my shell a little bit,” she added.