On May 21st, 2021 I became a proud alumna of the University of Maryland where I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors o Science in Biological Sciences, concentration in Cellular Biology & Genetics, minor in French Studies, and Gemstone Honors Citation.
I did it! I can’t begin to try to describe what a blessing these last four years have been, I am beyond thankful to now be an alumna of the University of Maryland where I studied Cellular Biology & Genetics with a minor in French Studies. If I had to use one word to describe college it would have to be growth.
The past four years have allowed me to grow into the woman I was meant to be. I grew to be more resilient as I faced challenge after challenge. Learned how to use my voice to stand up for others and grew into a leader. I grew more confident, more knowledgeable, and more sure of the impact I want to have in this world.
Thank you to God for His blessings and protection over me, and to my family, friends, mentors, professors, advisors and supporters who have guided me and helped me at each step of the way. I couldn’t have done this without you.
During my time at UMD, I have had amazing opportunities - many of which would not have been possible without the support of my mentors, advisors and supporters. It's time to share the final look back at my time at UMD!
•Magna Cum Laude
•3.97 GPA
•Banneker Key Scholar
•University Medal Finalist
•Model Citizenship Award
•Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
•Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society
•Maryland Medallion Society
•Senior Marshal
•Finalist for Mildred & Richard Loving Award
•Gemstone Honors Program
•Charles R Drew President, Vice-President and Secretary
•Gemstone Leadership Council: Gems 100 TA, Gems100 Steering Committee, Chair of Welcome Committee, Vice-President of Outreach, Citation Ceremony Speaker, DEI Committee, Finalist for Gemstone Citizen and Leader of the Year
•BSCI 160 Supplemental Instructor
•Organic Chemistry Tutor
•Caribbean Student Association Cabinet
•UM Scholars Intern at University of Maryland School of Medicine
•CMNS Diversity & Inclusion Board
•Study Abroad in Montpellier, France
•Pregnancy Aid Center Volunteer
•StylebyKye Brand, Blog and YouTube
Up next...Research Postbac at the National Institute of Health! ....and did it all with style✨
When I left my island 8 years ago, I had two goals:
1. Make my island proud
2. Never forget where I came from
Leaving my family was the biggest sacrifice we made as my mother, my three brothers and I started our lives in the US. I remember the days coming home from my new high school and being in tears after a day of holding it in, just because I missed home so much. What made it easier was knowing that being here in the US was giving me bigger and better opportunities and the chance to truly make an impact.
I was awarded a full academic scholarship to UMD and began my journey. No surprise that the FIRST student organization I joined was the Caribbean Student Association where I met my famalay away from home. Thank you @umdcsa for giving me the first moments since I had immigrated where I felt truly able to express and share my culture.
As I began to make more of a name for myself at UMD, I wanted it to always be known that I was from Saint Martin. I never want my name and my island to be detached in people’s minds because the island made me who I am today.
I keep the values my Caribbean family taught me close: respect for others, selflessness and a kind and giving heart. As I go off to achieve my next steps, an MD and MPH, I will continue to let these characteristics shine and hope to use my education to give back to my most favorite place: Sweet Saint Martin!
Now I am looking ahead to my next steps! I'm thankful for the experiences and opportunities that the last four years have afforded me. As I look to my future, I hope to continue to grow as I chase my dreams of becoming a physician.
I'm excited to take all that I have learned to the National Institute of Health where I will participate in clinical research and community outreach. I will also be continuing to work on the mission of diversifying medicine as I have been one of ten pre-medical students chosen to be a 2021-2022 SNMA National Leadership fellow. Finally I am applying to medical school where I hope to attain future MD and MPH degrees.
This is only the beginning!
Thank you to everyone who has supported this blog and been alongside me through my college career. I feel so fortunate for every good luck wish and every pray. I am fortunate to have people who support me and want to see the best for me.
I guess this blog isn't really "Fashion. Lifestyle. College." anymore as my college chapter has now ended, but this is truly only the beginning of what I hope to accomplish with this blog, and it is certainly only the beginning of my journey.
Here's to my next journey!
Photos by Mesus Studios
Makeup by GlambySmad
xoxo,
Kyeisha