Query
Template: /var/www/farcry/projects/fandango/www/action/sherlockFunctions.cfm
Execution Time: 10.3 ms
Record Count: 1
Cached: Yes
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SQL:
SELECT top 1 objectid,'cmCTAPromos' as objecttype
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11BD6E890-EC62-11E9-807B0242AC100103cmCTAPromos

Graduate Student Spotlight: Kimmi Cantrell

Region III Region III
January 16, 2015

GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS WILL APPEAR REGULARLY ON NASPA REGION III'S BLOG.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE A GRADUATE STUDENT PLEASE EMAIL MEG SUNGA, GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE, AT MEGAN.SUNGA.UCF.EDU.

SCHOOL:

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA

MASTERS PROGRAM:

Higher Education Leadership

Hometown:

Powder Springs, Georgia

Undergraduate Institution:

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA

Previous Institutions:

N/A

Why did you choose your graduate institution?

I attended Valdosta State University as an undergraduate student. Throughout my undergraduate tenure, I really developed a passion for VSU and the overall success of the institution and students; I believe my involvement on campus attributed to my VSU “pride”. Approaching graduation, I found myself feeling heartbroken at the thought of leaving so soon. I didn’t feel as though my time at VSU was finished; I had more to accomplish: more goals to achieve, more knowledge to gain, and more people to meet, impact, and positively influence through my leadership. After coming to terms with the reality of leaving, my plans changed! I had been working on campus with a department for two years at the time and LOVED every moment of it and then some. When I was approached by a staff member of the department about interest in graduate employment, my intuition was validated. I knew I wasn’t finished yet, and with forever thanks to my department, I didn’t have to be. 

Why did you want to go to graduate school?

I’ve always had a passion for learning accompanied by a desire to help people. Once I discovered the field of Student Affairs, from a supervisor of mine at the time, I knew I needed to pursue those passions already instilled in my heart by means of the field. I also believe education is something which can never be revoked or taken from an individual once they’ve received it. “Things” such as money, cars, clothes, and even people, etc. can be lost or taken at any time for any reason without our permission. However, once you’ve earn an education, nothing and/or no one can take that away from you.

What area(s) of Student Affairs interest you most?

I am most interested in student development and/or leadership development amongst students. There is nothing, in my opinion, more inspiring than watching a student grow into the individual they’ve always wanted to be and you always knew they could be. From personal experience and theory, I know that involvement and connectivity to a community or group can impact this growth exponentially, whether it comes from time spent in their residence halls, learning communities, or student organizations. Student organizations/Greek life and residence life are two areas I have majority of my experience with, so they will always have a special and dear place in my heart. J

What are your hobbies?

My forever favorite hobby is painting. I love the freedom and therapy experienced when throwing paint onto a canvas. I also love doing “the little things” for others around me. Making others happy makes me happy! Lastly, I love mail. Yes…snail mail, “real” mail, pen-paling, etc. It’s my favorite way to keep in touch with people all over the country in a personal, creative, and unexpected way. Plus, things get delivered all over the world within a day or two, and I think that is just mind-boggling and awesome.

If you could take a year off from work/school what would you do?

I would love to spend that time traveling. I have always wanted to travel, but never truly had the time or resources to do so how I’d like to. Having 365 days to adventure and explore all over the world would be unexplainably amazing!

What is your secret passion?

My passion is love. Whether giving, experiencing, witnessing, reproducing, creating, etc. I love love in every facet or meaning of the term.

What you would like to be remembered for?

Relating to the previous question, I hope to leave a legacy of love. I hope people never forget to love others, experiences, life, and themselves as a result of my presence in or around their lives.