Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A student from Louisiana accidentally applied for the wrong college. Her story went viral and her mistake brought her all the way to Utah.
Kaitlynn Lovelady, at 21 years old, was trying to apply to South Louisiana Community College. Instead, she applied to Salt Lake Community College — the wrong SLCC.
Lovelady tweeted, “I just applied to SLCC for summer classes only to realize it’s Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah instead of South Louisiana Community College. Goodbye $40.”
That tweet sent Lovelady on a journey she won’t ever forget and one that she said will change her life.
“I wasn’t expecting it to get this big,” Lovelady said. “My mom was just like, ‘you’re kind of famous. I’m going to have to get your autograph now.’”
After it went viral, Lovelady was offered a free trip to Salt Lake from someone who saw her tweet. Not only to see the college she accidentally applied to, but also to open her eyes to new experiences.
I just applied to SLCC for summer class only to realize it’s Salt Lake Community College in SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH instead of SOUTH LOUISIANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE. GOODBYE $40!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Kaitlynn A. Lovelady (@KaitlynnLovelad) February 27, 2019
So she came and with it came a lot of firsts, like Lovelady’s very first time on an airplane.
“When we took off I was just like, 'this is pretty cool. We are flying. I’m actually flying,'” she said laughing.
Lovelady and her friend took in the sights all weekend — Temple Square, Antelope Island, Park City and the mountains.
“I got to see snow for the first time ever,” she exclaimed.
A whole new view that opened up a whole new world in Lovelady’s eyes.
“It just showed me there’s a lot more out there,” she said.
The college senior returned to Louisiana Monday, but you can bet this is just the beginning of her story.
“I left home to come here and it’s really different and fun and I love it here,” she said.
Thanks for visiting SLCC, @KaitlynnLovelad! Safe travels back to Louisiana. Know you are always welcome back to campus, no matter where you geaux! pic.twitter.com/9WZKrzBMOh
— Salt Lake CC (@SaltLakeCC) April 15, 2019
Lovelady says after her visit she is definitely considering attending Salt Lake Community College. She also wanted to thank everyone who made her trip possible and for all the memories she’s made because of it.
