Caryn Sever, an instructional designer dedicated to enhancing digital learning in higher education, shares her insights on the transformative power of generative AI. She discusses her journey from student to leader and the pivotal role AI plays in student engagement. Caryn highlights how AI fosters resilience and critical thinking, while addressing the challenges of adoption by faculty. With a focus on ethical AI use and digital literacy, she presents AI not merely as an automation tool, but as a vital partner in student success.