Kyra Hill, a 2012 graduate of Marshall High School, graduated from KCC in 2017 with Associate in General Studies and Associate in Science degrees before transferring to Lake Superior State University, where she graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Today she’s a Program Officer and Youth Alliance Committee Advisor at the Battle Creek Community Foundation, working to engage donors and teens in philanthropy.
Why did you choose your major/area of study?
I began my career in veterinary medicine during my time at KCC, which was the catalyst for choosing my major as I was eager to expand my knowledge and skills in this area.
Why did you choose to study your major specifically at KCC?
KCC wasn’t my first choice, as I initially aspired to attend a four-year university. However, I realized (with my parents’ support) that I wasn’t ready for that transition, so I enrolled at KCC. After an initial focus on general education and English, I had an “aha” moment that led me to pursue veterinary studies. KCC offered small class sizes and affordability, which allowed me to focus on my studies and complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement requirements.
What are you doing now, and how did KCC help you on your path?
Currently, I serve as a program officer and advisor for the Youth Alliance Committee at the Battle Creek Community Foundation. KCC gave me the solid educational foundation I needed before transferring to a four-year institution. It also introduced me to the Battle Creek community, where I’ve been able to build long-lasting connections. When I returned to southwest Michigan after graduating from Lake State, those connections made it easier for me to re-integrate into the local community.
Was your favorite part of your time at KCC, and why?
My favorite part about my time at KCC is the relationships that I was able to build with my peers and instructors. There are classmates that I met during my time there that I work with in our community, and even some that I consider my friends. In having small class sizes, I was able to get to know my instructors and, even more importantly, they got to know me and understand what I needed to thrive. I owe my success in my academic career to the teachers who cared deeply about me as a student, who met me for countless office hours and answered numerous emails, and to my classmates who pushed me along the way.
What’s the most interesting thing you learned at KCC?
Though it wasn’t a requirement for my core studies, Architectural History with Doug Mann was one of the most interesting classes I have ever taken. The architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and the architects who influenced him was a big focus of that class, but we also got to learn about his life, which is like a soap opera. The dramatics of Frank’s life and the enthusiasm that Doug brought to the class made it one of the most enjoyable at KCC.
What advice do you have for current or future KCC students?
My biggest advice is to never be afraid to ask questions and form relationships with your instructors, whether at KCC or elsewhere. Building those connections will empower you to succeed, and in my experience, college professors are more eager to help than many expect.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Attending community college is not a failure; it’s an opportunity to build a solid foundation for success. My journey included undiagnosed ADHD, failed classes, and changes in direction, but each mistake taught me invaluable lessons. Remember, earning your degree isn’t a race. Go at a pace that works for you, explore and know that it’s okay to change paths. Growth often comes from discomfort, and every challenge is a chance to learn.
An excerpt of this Q&A will appear in the December 2024 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online when published, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.