Kaitey “Swag” Dages is a Notre Dame international superstar. She is a mix between Lizzie McGuire circa Rome 2003 and the Olsen Twins in Passport to Paris. Essentially she was born to travel the world and be fabulous wherever she goes! Kaitey hails from Delray Beach, FL, but more importantly she has just returned from a semester abroad in London, England. We are so happy to have her back in the Bend where she is again living in Lyons and studying Management Consulting. We are all so fortunate to get to hear her insights into life abroad, life on campus, and life in general!
What was your favorite part about studying abroad?
I could legally drink. Actually probably when I met Prince Harry. Nah, definitely the drinking thing. (Also the friends I made were pretty cool too). (Except we call ourselves money squad which makes everyone hate us). (Rightfully so though).
Where do you recommend someone travel if they go abroad?
I hear Canada is Awesome.
Just kidding. Edinburgh Scotland was my absolute fav. And Prague is the most beautiful city in the whole world, and extremely cheap so 10/10 would recommend.
What was your favorite spot in London?
I am going to be completely shameless and say that my favorite spot in London was the roof of Parliament. I was extremely lucky and got to intern there while I was in London. A couple times I got to up to the roof and see Big Ben closer up and just incredible views of London from a place not many people get to go.
What is like being back on campus after studying abroad?
Its awesome because I missed Notre Dame a lot. It’s terrible because it’s not London. Four of my roommates went abroad. Almost all of my new abroad friends like to eat in North, and I am just not about that.
What’s it like having a sister who goes to school so close to you?
Well technically she graduated a semester early from St Mary’s so now she’s just hanging out being a bum (but if my parents ask she TOTALLY has an internship). But yeah it has been pretty rad going to school so close to each other. I live my life just trying to be better than her at everything so it’s really nice to be able to do that in such close proximity. (I am kidding). (Maybe). But for real she’s a Marketing Major and Math Minor, and she has a GPA that is way higher than mine (which isn’t saying much) but people should like totally hire her. (You are welcome Maiti. I’m sure there are a ton of potential employers reading this).
Why do you love Lyons?
I love Lyons because even though the rooms are tiny (rip wonderquad) the people here are pretty rad. My best friends are here.
Also really cool people have lived in Lyons. HALEY SCOTT LIVED IN LYONS, AND SHE IS LIKE THE COOLEST PERSON EVER. People should read her book. Also Regis Philbin, but everybody already knew that. Also, you could live above Professor Hums, and he will tell all his accounting classes about how loud you are (but will also admit that you have good taste in music).
What’s your fav SDH meal?
White Dinner Rolls
Where did your Kaitey “swag” Dages name come from?
You know, I get this question a lot. The nickname Swag has taken many forms; my little sister calls me KaiteySwag, some people go full kaiteyswagdagez, and most recently I’ve been getting mostly Swag or Swaggy/Swaggie (lots of contention over which spelling). I’m pretty sure my London friends don’t even know my real name. I even call my parents Mama Swag and Papa Swag. I know it’s weird. But few people know the true origin of the name. Let’s go back in time to May 20, 2011 my older brother @tommydanger decides he doesn’t have enough followers on twitter and decides to make me a twitter, and comes up with the only twitter name that could truly describe me. And Swag was born. He regrets it.
Who’s your Oscar’s pick?
If I had to pick one Oscar, I’d probably pick Oscar Wilde. He was like the man. I really relate to him because he one time said “I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying”. Which is like me. And yeah I did google “famous oscars not the award” to make this really bad joke.
But for real, Leo.
Since you’ve know been to England, who’s you favorite 1D member (#rip) and who’s your favorite spice girl?
I would have to say Niall because he is adorable, and also I was him for Halloween, although people kept saying I looked like Ellen.
Probably Scary.
What’s your favorite catch phrase?
I go through catch phrases like nobody’s business. Right now I am very into saying “crushed it” and “retweet.” I kinda hate myself for both of those.
What’s a song lyric that describes your way of life?
“I’m a heartless bastard motherf*****” -Frank Turner
If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be?
Leslie Knope probably.
Cheers Kaitey!
In honor of Kaitey’s experiences in London, I have included a link to fun British slang I feel are important and very relevant to our American way of life. CLICK HERE
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Images provided by interviewee