For much of my life, I pursued perfection. Whether it was my grades, appearance, or relationships, I constantly felt the need to be flawless. I believed that if I could achieve perfection, everything else would fall into place. And for a while, I succeeded. I made the principal’s list, earned AB Honor Roll, received compliments on my appearance, and stayed fit. At the time, it didn’t feel like pressure—it felt like achievement. My family was proud, and I took comfort in maintaining those standards.
However, perfection is a fragile goal. My world began to unravel in ways I could never have predicted. When COVID-19 hit, it brought isolation, uncertainty, and fear. It triggered a decline in my mental health that I wasn’t prepared for. My grades plummeted, and in eighth grade, I hit rock bottom when I received a 20 in one of my classes. For someone who had always excelled academically, this failure felt unbearable. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the deep sense of disappointment and self-doubt that followed.
This period of my life was marked by darkness. Depression and being suicidal became constant battles, and I felt as though I was losing control. I could never have imagined that a virus, something completely out of my hands, could bring me to the point of considering ending my own life. Yet, it did—more than once.
But what defines us is not the fall, but how we rise after. I had no therapist or guidance through these struggles. I had only myself. While I’m still in the process of healing, I’ve learned to use that pain as a source of strength and motivation. This journey of growth is what led me to fall in love with the medical field, where I could channel my experiences into helping others.
During my junior year, I had the opportunity to serve as a student athletic trainer for the football team. This experience was transformative. I always knew I wanted to help others, but I wasn’t sure how. Sports medicine gave me a sense of purpose. Being on the field, surrounded by the energy of the players, the band, and the cheerleaders, I felt part of a close-knit community. But it wasn’t just the excitement that drew me in—it was the responsibility.
As our athletic trainer, April Clark, told me, “You’re never watching the game; you’re watching the players.” Her words resonated deeply with me. I learned that my role was about more than just being present during the game; it was about ensuring the athletes were safe, supported, and cared for. It’s about the people behind the game, and that’s what I love most: being a source of help when it’s needed most.
Reflecting on my journey, I now understand that life isn’t about chasing perfection. Perfection is an illusion that can consume you. Real life is about embracing imperfections, finding happiness, and, most importantly, loving yourself through every step of the journey. It took time for me to realize that I don’t have to fit into an ideal mold. I just need to be authentic to myself and pursue what truly brings me joy and fulfillment.
Now, as I prepare to take the next step in my life and education, I know that my experiences have shaped me into a person ready to grow, learn, and serve others. My path hasn’t been perfect, but it has been real. And I’ve discovered that my best self isn’t defined by flawless achievements, but by my passion, resilience, and desire to make a positive impact.
To me, college represents freedom, opportunity, and growth. It signifies safety in the pursuit of knowledge and the chance to transform my life. My name is Kaori Kennedy, and my aspiration is to become a healthy, educated, and financially secure woman. However, my early life was marked by a stark contrast to this vision. Raised by parents who battled addiction and alcoholism, my parents' separation at the age of five left me in the care of my biological mother, Nesha. Unfortunately, my formative years were marred by her neglect of education, mental well-being, and physical health.
Nesha never emphasized the importance of education, and as a result, I was never pushed to reach my full academic, physical, or emotional potential. Despite my limited awareness of my situation at the time, I always felt that there was more to life than what Nesha showed me. Her perspective was that as long as you had a man to rely on, life would be secure, and there was no need to strive for anything more. However, school became my refuge during these difficult years. It was a place where I could have fun, learn, and escape the stress and turmoil surrounding me. Nesha failed to comprehend my love for school because it was a foreign concept to her, given her own experience.
My life took a dark turn in fourth grade when I was sexually assaulted by one of Nesha's boyfriends. This traumatic incident dramatically altered my perspective on life and education. I began to despise going to school and became increasingly self-conscious, doubting my abilities. This transformation turned me into a reclusive individual, far removed from the confident person I once was. It was during this time that I mustered the courage to confide in my father about my concerns and the traumatic experience I had endured. He was the only one who expressed genuine concern for my well-being and education. Subsequently, my father arranged for me to live with him, and that's when I was introduced to my stepmom, Precious, who has since become my mom. She exemplified the loving, supportive, and understanding mother I had always yearned for. Both she and my dad prioritized my education and well-being, nurturing my self-confidence and motivation. Precious truly comprehended my passion for learning and the
significance of education in my life. She played a pivotal role in molding me into
the person I am today, fostering my focus on the future, well-being, and mental health. I will forever be grateful for her guidance and support.
My goal is not only to change my own reality but also to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I aspire to attend college and pursue a degree in medicine and biology with the ultimate aim of becoming a plastic surgeon. This is just one part of my overarching plan to achieve my life goals. My broader vision is to use the earnings from my career as a plastic surgeon to establish a non-profit program for underserved black communities, providing free access to STEM education. As a black woman, I feel a responsibility to empower my community, offering them opportunities to excel and find their place in the world. My interest in science and medicine has been a lifelong passion, dating back to my childhood when I loved reading about space, doctors, and surgery. As I grew older, I discovered the remarkable achievements of black scientists and physicians in these fields, which further fueled my determination.
Upon moving in with my father and stepmom, they recognized my passion for science and pledged their unwavering support.
