Kennedy Kesterson

13258 Brookfield Lane Conroe TX 77302 (310) 496-9133 Fackbook: Kennedy Kesterson Instagram: Kenkesterson

y d e n n Ke

n o s r e t Kes

Personal Statement: Graduating with the Academy of Health and Science, being involved in a multitude of organizations, working part time at Soules Insurance Agency, and being Photography Editor has molded me into a woman ready for anything the future holds. I cannot say how beyond blessed and excited that I am to belong to such a studious and vigorous school. I will be attending Texas A&M in the Fall, majoring in Mathematics. Desiring to be a high school math teacher and then become an Engineer, this degree will properly prepare me for the future.

Kennedy Kesterson

Kenkesterson

Conroe High School – Academy for Science and Health STEM magnet Date of Graduation: May 24th, 2018 Current Grade: 12th GPA: 4.8 [weighted] Phone: (310) 496-9133 E-Mail: Kennkesterson@gmail.com

School Organizations/Clubs: Latin Club Mu Alpha Theta Interact Club National Honor Society JDRF Ambassador AP Ambassador Student Council Yearbook Photography Editor

Community Service Organizations: JDRF First Baptist of Conroe National Honor Society Student Council Interact Club Young Republicans

Work Experience: Soules Insurance

- Organized files and transferred the files into the data bases - Worked five days a week (2-5pm)

Rice Elementary – Summer School Program

- Took the position of a student-teacher to help benefit the students to a one on one interaction - Able to help the kids learn how to read and understand how basic math works - Able to uplift and provide affection as many of them lacked affection in their daily lives

Laura Dillion AP Calculus Teacher 3200 W Davis Street Conroe, TX 77304 ldillion@conroeisd.net 936-709-5731 February 12, 2018 To Whom It May ConcernIt is with great pleasure that I am writing a letter of recommendation for Kennedy Kesterson. I currently teach AP Calculus AB and BC at the Academy for Science and Health Professionals as part of Conroe High School. I have been teaching since 1994 and have taught AP Calculus for 10 years.

Kennedy is currently enrolled in my AP Calculus AB class this year. I have known Kennedy for the past two years as well.

Academically, Kennedy works hard in class to understand concepts in math class. She frequently has questions and isn’t afraid to ask others when she fails to understand. She has done well on every test we have had this year, which proves her dedication to learning the curriculum and to making herself successful. She helps others learn as well. She is partnered with another student and works hard to help the other student understand so that she can make meaning as well. I am fully confident that Kennedy can tackle any upper level mathematics at the University level. She has the persistence and drive academically to do well.

Febru

To W

ary 2 2, 20 1

hom

8

It Ma y

Conc I hav ern: e teach had the p le in stude g her Pre asure of k n Scho t in the A AP/Hono nowing K r o c e take a l in Conro ademy for Algebra I nnedy I and e, Te ccele Scien x A A r c a a cadem e te s.

Socially, Kennedy is fun to have in class. She wants so much to connect with you and others. y stud d math, sc ASHP is and Healt h o u i a e rs of She is open and honest in her desire to be part of the group and to know students and teachers one on comm nts are re ence, and rigorous quire healt unity one. She makes me laugh almost every day and makes me smile as well. She is a quirky unique girl d h co t s o Kenn ervic e, car maintain ur e with a heart of gold. She genuinely cares about all of her friends and teachers and puts her heart into eer sh range dy is an e h x adow igh taking care of others as she can. She is also able to stand up for herself when needed. She isn’t shy Socie of activiti tremely re i n g, a e t s about standing up for right and wrong in the world. I appreciate those qualities about her a great deal, sever y, Mu Alp s both in a ponsible y al aw n h o and why I am delighted to have her as a student. ards a a Theta C d out of s ung wom Amb a c n photo ssador and d honors lub, and S hool. Ke a n t i g Kennedy has been extremely involved throughout the high school organizations as well. She and e raphy Sta Engineeri ncluding t udent Cou n diting he Ju ng D nci ff Ed takes photographs for Yearbook, as she has for many years. She is a member of almost every es ve it pictu res fo or, Kenne ign Comp nile Di organization possible on campus: NHS, Interact Club, AP Ambassador, Student Council, MuAlphaTheta Kenn dy ha r etitio s e v e eral p s n of he dy moved and many more. She loves to be involved and to make her presence known in a room. I very much see rojec assisted m Fo r teac t s i n e on . t o h A c ers. onsci Kennedy as a future leader who has the morals to shine with grace.

SHP e A h n s e t r i a stud ous a high Soph bo e s o It is for these reasons and many more that I would hope you would consider giving Kennedy a dilige chool care ut her wo nt, Kenne more yea r d y ha n e r k r t , . a c n K o scholarship. She is in the top 10% of her class and will add greatly to the University environment. s alw and ha d is i comm opera enned n a t ys be u t i y h v n e to has e, h ica excel Please let me know if you have any questions, ling a te intellig onest, res p one per maintain en e ed a cent o candi cadem pectf ntly a u d f Laura Dillion recom ate for yo ic skills, a nd effecti l, and resp her class v u o n m e rp d ns ly endat AP Calculus AB/BC ion fo rogram. her ability . Because ible. S With r Ken to wo of Ke Pleas o u nedy r e Keste t reservati k well wi nn any a feel free th o r son. ns, I to dditio am d o nal in contact m e lig f e o rmati via em Since on. ail at rely, rricha rd@c onroe Rolan isd.n d R i chard AP C ompu Acad emy ter Scienc for S cienc e/Mathem e and a Healt tics h Pro fessio ns at Conr oe Hi gh Sc hool

Letters of Recommendations

Rolan d Ric hard 93 rricha rd@c 6-709-570 onroe 0 isd.ne t

y Kes AP C terson for om the th Pro puter Scie past two ye n fessio ns (A ce A. Ken ars, while acade S nedy m H P) rses a ic envir onme at Conroe is a t both nt in High h aca the P wh de re and i mic stand -AP and A ich studen ntern a ships rds, comp P levels. ts . lete m any an wh o nedy has invo is lve il to n a member d herself in ame a of the iabete f Natio a wide s Res ew. She nal H h e ound er’s a arch Foun as receive onor w d d n ma ny oc ard. As y ation casio earbo ns wi o th ob k tainin g as ma de a l a sting eager i an “A to learn a mpression nd ve ” ave on al ry rage l s. Sh thr e She a is well-m oughout h lso er an nedy displays nered, ’s str the ab o ng m other ility t ot s, o ghted Kennedy ivation, is a p to off e er thi s lette rfect r of net o r 936 -7095700 for

s

Topic A

Up until around six years old, I had resided in a large home with both of my parents. There were not too many children to befriend, as our neighborhood was a small-gated community. Prior to my parents splitting up (around five years old), I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. Through this new profound difficulty, my parents continued to work together. However when they divorced, I started alternating the weeks living with each parent. Over time, I just naturally started to stay with my father more. Consequently, the summer before fifth grade, my father and I moved to Conroe, a small urban city outside of Houston, TX. While attending public school up to fifth grade, I transferred to a private school at the beginning of sixth grade. The Woodlands Christian Academy was my second home until sophomore year when I decided to transfer back to public school. My father and I chose the Academy of Health and Science at Conroe High School as it provided great academic opportunities. In fact, during the time in which I attended the Academy of Health and Science, I was given the opportunity to intern at B.B. Rice Elementary as I hope to be an elementary school teacher after graduating college.

However while at the Woodlands Christian Academy, I found a loving church in which I still attend today. Many people have continued to ask me why I would transfer back to public. My answer always consists of the same points: to further grow my faith, for more diversity of friends, and for more opportunities of the classes. After attending Conroe High School for less than two years and having lived in the Conroe area for around eight years, my life has changed intensely. I have been given a vast amount of opportunities to witness with others about the Gospel of Jesus, along with the ability to take more advanced classes and join more clubs. Through First Baptist Church of Conroe, I have been able to go on many mission trips and serve the people around me according to their needs without expecting anything in return. However as much as the community, Conroe high school, and First Baptist Church of Conroe have affected me, I would have to say that diabetes has had an even greater impact on my life. Pushing through the many struggles that it has given me, I have become stronger as a person. I have been able to look upon such an ugly and degrading disease as a beautiful blessing, through the help of my family and friends. Many times, I feel ashamed to have this disease, but my environment has taught me to keep my head up as I have hope and love in Jesus Christ. All my life, I have heard that everything happens for a reason. This I can know to be true as if anything had been different in my past, I would not be the person I am today. God has used my environment to help shape who I am.

College Essays

Topic B

Many people have pressured young adults to believe that they are defined by their past, by their environment, by their appearances, or even by their diseases. I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at five years old. Type One Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin; it is genetic or it can many times occur randomly. For me, it was a random occurrence. However, my disease does not define who I am, nor does my environment, my looks, or the mistakes made in my past. I am defined by the present, by the decisions in which I make today, and by the interests and hobbies that shape my personality. My biggest interest lies behind a camera lens. For my twelfth birthday, I was given a Canon Rebel T3 camera. For the first few years, I experimented with it and tried to understand how it worked to the greatest extent. However as time continued to pass and my knowledge in a camera continued to grow, I became more educated in photography. Upon moving to public school, I saw a great opportunity to let my light shine. For the past two years, I have been on photography staff for yearbook at Conroe High School. However during my senior year, I took the opportunity to become photography editor (the position entails being chief of photography staff, along with the editing and proofing of pictures). Being in this position has shaped me over the years, as I have been able to improve my social skills, along with my photography skills. I have been able to learn InDesign, Photoshop, and layouts for the yearbook. Photography is a passion of mine in which brings peace to me.

Being on photography staff has helped me to see the best methods when working within a group. Shaping my idea of leadership, the position of editor has taught me how to lead others while not overpowering my position. I would not trade this opportunity for the world due to the joy it has brought me. Hopefully in college, I will be able to fulfill my dream of minoring in photography. A passion for photography will forever be my heart, whether I am able to take that opportunity or not. Anyone can take photos, but it takes a real creative mind and drive to be able to make something beautiful out of nature, people, or even architecture.

As much as I completely love photography, I also have a passion for kids. The summer before my senior year, I was given the opportunity through the Academy of Health and Science at Conroe High School to intern at B.B. Rice Elementary with their summer school program. I was able to teach them how to read and how to learn the different methods of mathematics. It is my dream to major in EC-6 (Early Childhood through Sixth grade) as I hope to become an elementary school teacher. Not only do I wish to teach my students different subjects, but I also hope to lead them through life.

My Photos

M M aay y

To D Stu o: d Ge y fo r t Ca pics Eco lcu t o lus f V B est wo a rks seba l he et l (ho me -

7p m)

My Work

Math

Courses taken to benefit anticipated career field English

Algebra Pre-AP Geometry Honors Algebra ll Pre-AP Pre-Calculus Pre-AP Statistics AP Calculus AP

Communication Applications Advanced Journalism (yearbook) World Literature Dual Credit

Science

Computer Science

Biology Pre-AP Chemistry Pre-AP Health Physics AP Environmental Science AP

History Government Dual Credit Economics AP Computer Programming Computer Science AP

I have started working on becoming a leader within my school and church.

Originally, I only desired to be a leader within my church. However as I have grown into that leadership role, I crave loving on others even more so now. My inspiration comes from those who lack love and who need support. As I have no knowledge over what the future may hold, I do have the power in my actions and reactions today. Therefore, I have joined many clubs (National Honor Society, Interact, etc.) and taken many courses to reach out to my community (outside of my church). As the world yearns for someone who cares, I can only hope to be able to say that my affection has help even just one person.

Volunteer Work

First Baptist Church of Conroe - New Orleans Mission Trip

- 2016 through 2018 - Serving at homeless shelters -Volunteering at Food Pantries

Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation

- Forming a team at the Walk to Cure Type 1 Diabetes organization

- 2012 through 2016 National Honor Society - Ambassador for the JDRF Gala - Caring for children at elementary (Fundraiser) schools (baby-sitting)

- 2017 & 2018 - Car Wash to raise money for Student Council/INteract Club scholarships - Working with the school to -Teaching Kindergarden benefit the student’s academic and - Helping at fundraisers to raise social success money for Cancer patients - Aiding to raise money for Leukemia

Through First Baptist Church of Conroe, I have been able to go on many mission trips and serve the people around me according to their needs without expecting anything in return. Upon first arriving in New Orleans, my only expectation was to serve the homeless by providing them with physical objects.

However as time passed, I realized that the materialistic objects were not of great importance to them. Instead, a majority of the homeless just wanted a normal, warm, kind-hearted conversation. This completely changed my outlook on life and helped shaped my future affection for people. I will forever hold these two mission trips close to my heart as I learned that a few simple (kind-hearted) words were more important than handing over money. As much as our church may have touched the hearts of the homeless, I would have to say that they have touched mine even more.

Upon attending TAMU, I hope to major in Mathematics while getting certified to teach seventh through twelfth grade mathematics, physics, and engineering. My desire to major in Mathematics comes from the great department that TAMU has to offer, along with the vast amount of opportunities for jobs.

However, my desire to teach is due to the large amount of children that are not offered many opportunities and even lack love. When I am older, I hope to have a degree in Mathematics and be teaching twelfth grade AP Calculus. I dream to use this occupation to mentor my students and love on them. Investing greatly in my church, I hope to be a youth intern. Therefore in my spare time, I will either be mentoring students within my church’s youth group, volunteering with the church to help in any way possible, or with my family. While my dream may seem simple, it will require hard work. In reality, I wish to be a leader throughout my lifetime.

This world is full of people who are currently feeling unwanted or unloved.

However, I plan to show them where their worth and beauty is found. As this goal will take a vast amount of effort and time, I have in fact already started working on it within my school and church. Originally, I only desired to be a leader within my church. However as I have grown into that leadership role, I crave loving on others even more so now. My inspiration comes from those who lack love and who need support. As I have no knowledge over what the future may hold, I do have the power in my actions and reactions today. Therefore, I plan to join many clubs and study sessions at Texas A&M to meet new people (who I can invest in) and to invest in my studies (so that I can achieve my dream of being an engineer and a certified teacher). As the world yearns for someone who cares, I can only hope to be able to say that my affection has helped even just one person.

Gig ‘Em!