Kellsea Jenkins

Why did you choose Dalton State? I chose Dalton State because of its affordability and because of its close proximity to home. It was not my first choice, but as I got involved on campus and began seeing the support from the faculty and staff, I could not imagine transferring anywhere else now.

What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation from Dalton State, my goal is to pursue a master’s degree in English or communications. I also want to pursue a teaching career in either a middle or high school because I want to make a difference in the lives of students as some of my teachers and professors have made a difference in mine.

Who is/was your favorite professor and why? Although I have many great professors, I believe my favorite professor is Dr. Ken Ellinger because he noticed the potential in me before I even saw it in myself. He genuinely cares about his students, especially those who have the desire to succeed, even if they are not necessarily the smartest person in the classroom. Although his class was hard, I learned a significant amount about the material and gained confidence as a student through his encouragement.

What activities are you involved in on campus? I am involved in the Roadrunner Student Ambassador program as well as the Peer Mentor program. The ambassador program has helped me further develop communication and leadership skills. I went into the program looking to challenge myself because I knew giving tours would push me out of my comfort zone. However, I have learned so much more than communication. I have gained confidence and I have learned what true leadership is through the other ambassadors. I have pursued a position as a peer mentor because I want to continue to push myself in order to strengthen skills that will be essential when seeking future employment and in everyday life. I have also been on the homecoming court and went on the Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans.

What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? Being a student at Dalton State is an achievement for me in itself, considering I have always thought college was too expensive and an unattainable goal. However, Dalton State’s affordability gave me hope and a chance, which has allowed me to expand my goals. I have made the Dean’s list, received two academic scholar awards, three scholarships, and had the opportunity to present at a student scholarship showcase as a sophomore. All of these opportunities would not be possible without the professors and experiences I have had here at Dalton State.

What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? My best memory being a part of Roadrunner Nation is the Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. I loved being able to volunteer, hear the locals stories, and learn about the culture. I also made friendships and gained a new perspective.

What is the last book you read? Don DeLillo’s White Noise

Favorite comfort food? My favorite comfort food is mac and cheese and chicken.

What is your guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure is either getting my nails done or yogurt covered pretzels. They are almost the same in satisfaction.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be? If I could only keep five possessions, I would keep my phone, a volleyball, my dog, my bed, and my huge comforter.

 If you won the lottery, what would you do? If I could win the lottery, I would definitely invest the money in a way to help others who are in need or who have also felt like college is unattainable. However, I would definitely finish my time at Dalton State and earn a college degree because it is something I have worked for and want to say that I have earned. I also would also save a significant amount of the money for when I finish college.

What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would love to learn kickboxing because I feel like it would be really fun and beneficial since I am so small!

What cheers you up? Food is the best way to cheer me up, especially Mexican food or ice cream!

Who is your hero? My hero is my dad. He serves as an inspiration to me because he works so hard to provide for myself and our family. He has been my biggest fan and always encourages me to do what is best, even if it is the hardest.

Where is your favorite place to eat? I love food, so this is a hard question. However, I think Amigos in East Ridge is definitely my favorite!

What did you want to be when you were a kid? As a kid, I went through every profession. I wanted to be a doctor one week and a lawyer the next.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a part of Roadrunner Nation means that I am not “just another face” on campus. I feel like I actually have a role and that I have received so many opportunities that I would never experience at a larger school, such as being on the homecoming court. Being a part of Roadrunner Nation has boosted my confidence as a student and is helping me further develop into the person I want to become one semester at a time.