Hobbies and interests
Baking
Reading
Foreign Languages
Anime
Korean
Music
Roller Skating
Photography and Photo Editing
Travel And Tourism
Reading
Adventure
Humor
Fantasy
Thriller
Young Adult
Suspense
Drama
Realistic Fiction
Romance
I read books multiple times per month
Kennedy McClain
1,425
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FinalistKennedy McClain
1,425
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FinalistBio
Hello, my name is Kennedy McClain and I am an undergraduate psychology student at Bowie State University. My most immediate academic and professional goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a focus on early childhood development and learning. Along my journey, I look forward to gaining unique field experiences that strengthen my understanding of human behavior and how people interact with the world around them. Ultimately, I aim to make a meaningful positive impact in my chosen field, especially for BIPOC women and children.
Although I am committed to my academic and professional goals, finances are a significant factor in my pursuit of higher education. As the child of a single mother, I depend on financial aid. Any considerations for scholarships and grants are greatly appreciated, as they will directly fund my education and propel me toward being the positive change and advancement that I want to see in the world.
Aside from my academic and professional goals, in my spare time, I enjoy photography, music, reading, traveling, and language learning. My hobbies have broadened my horizons and shaped me into a well-rounded individual.
Education
George Mason University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Psychology, General
Oxon Hill High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Psychology, General
Career
Dream career field:
Psychology
Dream career goals:
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Merchandising Associate
TJMaxx2023 – Present1 yearSales Associate
Old Navy2022 – 20231 yearCommunity Beautification
Summer Youth Enrichment Program2019 – 2019
Sports
Volleyball
Intramural2018 – 20191 year
Soccer
Club2008 – 20124 years
Arts
The Voice of Mason Korea
Design2023 – 2023School Organization
MusicBand Concerts and Competitions2012 – 2017
Public services
Volunteering
LuvMichael — Advocate2021 – 2021
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Rosa A. Wilson Scholarship
When I was five years old Disney released “The Princess and the Frog”, a major animated film featuring the first and only Black Disney princess. Seeing a Disney princess who reminded me so fondly of the women in my life on the big screen made me feel so proud to be a young Black girl at the time. That was the moment I began to understand the weight of diversity and how important it is to see people from various cultures and backgrounds represented on widespread platforms. But diversity and inclusion go beyond having relatable characters in the media, it extends to having adequate representation in politics, medicine, social justice, and more.
Since I was young, I have been interested in psychology, always seeking to understand the mind and how people interact with the world around them. Even when my major or career aspirations changed, they always connected back to psychology. Presently, I aspire to work in the field of child psychology. Development begins in early childhood and I find it essential to set a healthy foundation for adulthood. I am specifically interested in working with neurodivergent children, as I want to aid children of all backgrounds ensuring they receive the assistance they require and supporting them in understanding how best to navigate the world as individuals. My interest in working with neurodivergent children began with my journey of exploring who I am as a Black woman who displays neurodivergent characteristics. I recognize that determining where I fit in a world built for people who do not look or think like me is critical to my ultimate success and sense of well-being. In my relatively short life, I have encountered many people who are undiagnosed and unaided in their neurodivergence, as symptoms typically appear in a variety of ways across different demographics; notably in girls and people of color. So, as a Black woman grappling with her undiagnosed neurodivergence, I have a unique perspective that motivates me to help other BIPOC women and children find a sense of belonging and individuality. I aim to offer this support through my presence in the psychology field.
Although I am primarily interested in working with children, I would also like to play a role in creating more support programs for neurodivergent adults. As a teenager, I volunteered with Luv Michael, which is a non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities for adults with autism. During my time as a volunteer, I became educated on how difficult it is for adults with autism to transition into the workforce, due to a lack of support programs that extend beyond adolescence. So I would like to be a part of an organization such as Luv Michael that works diligently to bridge that gap, which may include mentorship programs or community outreach campaigns that encourage inclusivity and neurodivergent aid in the hiring process. I believe that it would also be beneficial for organizations to partner with schools and other local organizations so that neurodivergent adolescents can become aware of the programs offered within their community and create a strong system of support for them into adulthood.