Journalism honors graduate makes every day count

KENNESAW, Ga. (May 25, 2021) — Kendall Chamberlain graduated in May with an impressive list of accomplishments – even more so considering she did it all in only three years at Kennesaw State.

Chamberlain came to KSU with several college credits from high school Advanced Placement courses, and she remained on the fast track. While earning her journalism degree in three years as an Honors student, she studied abroad, was active in civic projects and even helped get a bill passed by the Georgia Legislature.

“It came down to prioritizing what I am most passionate about and going full bore on those,” Chamberlain said. “I’ve been really fortunate and very ,blessed with a lot of wonderful opportunities, along with a support system of great people.”

Chief among those was being a student in KSU Journey Honors College – particularly in its President’s Emerging Global Scholars (PEGS) program, which challenges students to grow as scholars, leaders and innovators. Encouraged and assisted by Honors Dean Rita Bailey and Michelle Miles, KSU’s director of national and international scholarships and fellowships, Chamberlain was chosen for the prestigious Fulbright Summer Institute program in 2019. She spent four weeks in Northern Ireland studying the country’s literature and culture at Queen’s University Belfast.

While Chamberlain acknowledges “that wonderful, glorious month in Ireland has to take the cake” as her favorite college experience, she had several memorable ones closer to home as well. She chaired an adopt-a-soldier campaign for her sorority, Phi Mu, to send correspondence to U.S. troops serving abroad and served on the family relations committee for Miracle at Kennesaw State, a student organization that supports Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through activities and fundraisers.

Children’s health has been a priority for Chamberlain since losing her best friend to cancer in high school. She worked tirelessly for four years – lobbying legislators and testifying before the Georgia Senate – to support a bill, now a law, designating September 1 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Day in Georgia.

“It did not matter that I was young. My mindset was that I respected the lawmakers, and I had a potential impact if I succeeded,” Chamberlain said.

Up next for Chamberlain is attending law school. She is considering becoming an attorney or pursuing a career related to her interest in government and politics, such as a communications director or legal advisor.

“I believe in taking every opportunity presented, making the best of it and seeing where it takes you,” Chamberlain said.

-- written by Paul Floeckher