ABOUT KENNEDY
- From Temperance, MI
- Member of the Class of 2026
- Majoring in biology
- Flashguide
- Found her best friends and community at Kent State
Kennedy's three words that describe Kent State: Spirited, Welcoming, Home
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!
I am a biology major with a minor in disability studies and community inclusion. My time at Kent State has allowed me to surround myself with people who feel like family while also being able to learn and grow in both my career and personal life. I've had the opportunity to take classes in subjects that interest me while also learning about new subjects and perspectives. I quickly got involved with student organizations that allowed me to meet new people and make life long connections. I joined Paws for a Cause which is a service dog training organization on campus and learned how to train dogs. I also became a campus tour guide and allowed prospective students to explore the campus the same way I did . I've learned skills that will help in my future and I'll always remember my time at Kent State.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?
As an out-of-state student, I was looking for a school that would feel like home. Once I visited campus, I understood that Kent would be that place for me. I was drawn to the location and the size of campus. As a biology major, most of my classes take place in the science mall which allows me to stay close to my professors and other resources that I need during my time here. The residence halls are also very accommodating and matched what I was looking for in a school. I was also drawn to all of the other opportunities that I would receive in my major such as study abroad and research.
WHEN DID KENT STATE START TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
Within my first week of classes I was able to meet people who would be my best friends. I have lived with the same roommates all four years of school and spend all my free time with them. We spent out first couple of weeks walking around campus, riding the bus and attending any free event we could. Fun nights like this allowed me to find my community and feel like I belong here. Joining student organizations and talking to people in class became my best ways to meet friends and find my community.
WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?
Inside my major, I have been able to take a variety of fun classes learning about the different animals and parts of the earth as well as parts of working in the biology field. My favorite class I've taken was a data analysis class that was specific for biology majors. We were able to learn how to use an important program that is used in many science careers. This skill can be used in my job search and may allow me to stand out in interviews.
Outside my major I was a part of our Biology Club on campus. This allowed me to volunteer and take care of the biology department's animal collection of reptiles and invertebrates. These skills are also very important as getting a job at a zoo requires experience and will help me stand out against others.
WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?
Dr. Kooijman is the undergraduate coordinator for the biology department. I had him as a professor for my Flashes 101 class that I took my first semester. This class is designed to introduce first-year students to resources that are available to them on campus. Being able to meet him has allowed me to always have someone that I could talk to get help. When searching for internships, I was able to meet with him and he could help me find specific internships that matched my needs. Anytime we see each other on campus we smile at each other and he remembers me after all these years.
The professors want you to succeed and will do whatever they can to get you to graduation.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?
I genuinely don't think I have a favorite memory since every day has felt like my favorite day. My roommates and I love doing random things and going different places on campus. Being able to meet my best friends has been my favorite part.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?
I want to go into working in cultural spaces such as zoos and aquariums. Whether this means I'll be hands on working with the animals or creating public education programs, both my major and my minor have allowed me to learn skills and information I will use for years. I was able to meet professors, advisors and other students that gave me resources and help deciding on what I wanted to do in the future.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?
No matter what, there is a place for you on campus. It can be anything from a major, a student organization or an on campus job. There is something for everyone here on campus.