Name: Kedarian “KP” Pender
Age: 19
Hometown: Atlanta
High school: Lithonia High School
Major: History / Secondary Certification
Expected graduation date: 2021
Why did you choose Dalton State? I chose Dalton State because of the affordability, it’s my family’s hometown, and my mother went to college here.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a part of the Roadrunner Nation means building a community and being active in that community.
What do you plan to do after graduation? I plan on teaching high school while I work on getting my master’s, then teach on a college level.
What activities are you involved in on campus? I am director of the Campus Activities Board, and I have been instrumental in bringing diversity programs to this college.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? Being a part of Homecoming my freshman and sophomore years, as well as joining several organizations.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? Observing all the nature, shopping, and enjoying small town life.
Where is your favorite study spot? The CAB office
Where is your favorite hangout? The Pope Student Center
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being appointed the director for the Campus Activities Board my freshman year.
Favorite comfort food? Any type of pie.
Favorite line from a movie? Precious (2009) Claireece 'Precious' Jones: “Some folks got a light around them that shine for other peoples. I think that maybe some of them was in tunnels, and in that tunnel, maybe the only light they had was inside of them. And then, even long after they escaped that tunnel... They still be shining for everybody else.”
What is your guilty pleasure? Binge watching shows on Netflix and Hulu.
What do you feel most proud of? Myself, because I work very hard for the things I have. My determination makes me continue to push myself forward.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Go cash out on a Bentley Bentayga or a Lamborghini Urus, purchase my first home, and invest the rest.
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would like to learn how to speak several languages because that is a skill I can use throughout life.
What cheers you up? Being around family and friends.
What is your favorite book? “Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. It was given to my class as a gift in third grade by our principal. Ever since then, I’ve always loved that story and the message behind it.
Who is your hero? My mother is my hero because she strives her best to give me the best possible life. I followed in her footsteps when I came to this college. She has always encouraged and inspired me to the best I can, despite any obstacles.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life? Will Smith
What is your favorite childhood memory? Coming to Dalton with my mom, playing in the parks, and getting to meet people from different parts of the world.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Gandhi
What is your favorite app? Instagram
Where is your favorite place to eat? Zaxbys! I can eat there seven days a week.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Governor of Georgia
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means to beat every obstacle to reach my goals. It also means standing up for what’s right, being bold for the things that are important to me. Running Boldly gives me a true sense of Roadrunner Pride!