Age is Just a Number: Kyndall Johnson’s Unconventional Journey to Graduation

by Keah D Moffett ‘09

Booker T. Washington and Future Alumna Kyndall Johnson share a common bond: they both entered Hampton when they were 16 years old. Now, at 19, Kyndall - who arrived with Quintessence XII - is ready to walk the stage this spring with Ogre-PhiOgre XVIII.

Originally from Tampa, FL, Kyndall found her way to Hampton after middle school while visiting the Young Diplomats program. “On the last day of the program, [Dr. Harvey] offered everybody an acceptance letter if we maintained our GPA until you had to apply. So I’m like, ‘Okay, I already have a college acceptance.’”

After graduating from high school at 16, Kyndall only applied to two schools: Hampton and Howard. She was accepted into Hampton and began in the fall.

When asked if she ever felt different on campus because of her age, she said she had a pretty smooth experience. “I stayed on campus—Twitchell my first year, Winona the next year, and now. I did not feel weird because nobody else knew my age but myself, and nobody asked. They just assumed I was 18.”

Now graduating at 19, Kyndall is full of different emotions. “The whole leaving early– It started in high school. I don’t think I had a feeling when I graduated high school. But now that I’m graduating from college, I don’t know. I feel– I feel things. I feel like I’m putting my family on. It’s creating a legacy for them, just setting the bar a little bit higher so they can see, like, ‘Oh, this is attainable for me,’ but I don’t like to bask in my achievements too long because I just don’t want to get comfortable where I’m at. So I’m happy with where I’m at. I’m blessed, but there are things I need to do.”

Kyndall is currently applying to graduate schools. “My major is sociology with a minor in leadership studies, and I plan on dealing with international intelligence.”

Kyndall Johnson’s journey to Hampton University at the age of 16 was exceptional, but her hard work, dedication, and perseverance paid off. Kyndall is a true inspiration to all who aspire to greatness, regardless of age. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and hope she continues to make her family proud.