FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Kennedy Jolie West, a class of 2021 honors with distinction graduate from Druid Hills High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with completing the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, I was actively involved in academic, leadership, and athletic extra-curricular activities. I am a member of Fairfield Baptist Church where I have served on the Youth Junior Usher Board and received the Fairfield Academic Excellence Scholar Award.
I was an active member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and winner of the Phyllis Rawlins Science Award. As VP of the Technology Student Association (TSA) for three years, I attended the Chapter Officer Retreat for Excellence where I gained valuable leadership skills and won the TSA Statesman Award. As VP of the National Science Honor Society, I continued to invest my time outside of the classroom expanding and sharing my knowledge of the impacts of science in society. I also played JV and Varsity Soccer for Druid Hills and RYSA Club Soccer. My passion on the soccer field led me to receive the JV Offensive Player of the year award, the 2020 Varsity All County Award, and the 2021 Georgia Positive Athlete Award for the Atlanta Region.
I am honored to continue pursuing my education at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Chemistry. This comes with the responsibility to uphold the highest level of academic excellence and character. I am humbly honored to receive the FOSSI Scholarship.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I plan to immediately continue to further my education by pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Chemistry and a Ph. D. Degree. My goals are to stay focused on education and follow through to completion. As a graduate student, I will uphold the integrity of science, study how to expand current research, and become a thinker of innovative solutions in medicine to prepare me to save more lives globally.
My plans are to gain valuable work experience and research opportunities in internships during my
undergraduate and graduate studies. Upon graduation, my plans are to become a leading scientist in the field of pharmacology and pharmaceutical science developing life-altering solutions to some of the world's most deadly diseases. As a humanitarian in my field, I will develop a network of expanded opportunities for minorities in STEM.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I love the thrill and excitement of trying new rides at amusement parks.
- My latest hobby has been researching and experimenting with aquatic life.
- My favorite soccer memories are when I scored a hat trick in several games during the high school seasons.