Hi! My name is Kelsey Sersen. I am a sophomore at Shippensburg University studying a dual major of early childhood and special education. I am an extremely dedicated, goal-oriented person with a creative and humorous sense of personality. Since I was a little girl, I've always had a major passion for education and writing. Although I am only a sophomore, college has already challenged and changed me in ways I would have never, ever expected. For this reason, and many more, I am so excited to be apart of the Shippensburg branch of Odyssey. Here's to beginning yet another new chapter of my life!
As a future Odyssey writer, here's some general stuff about me:
Quick Questions:
Favorite movie? "A Walk to Remember," "Crossroads" and anything with Adam Sandler
Favorite TV series? "Friends," "One Tree Hill," "Law and Order: SVU" and "Modern Family"
Favorite genre of music? Depends on my mood and what I'm doing; However, I can always listen to country music and Lil Dicky. P!nk is an any-timer, too.
Favorite foods? I love fruit salad, lasagna, cheese fries, soft pretzels and slushies!
Favorite animals? Small dogs, smart cats, pandas, and koala bears
College involvement: Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in Education), Graphic designer for Activities Program Board
Coolest places visited: Firefly Music Festival, Grand Canyon, Bahamas, and Outer Banks
Weird facts: I didn't try a hamburger until I was 13. I had to sleep by the fridge as a baby for white noise. I have hip dermals and a tattoo. I have OCD. I have semi-bad road rage. I love fuzzy socks and fluffy blankets. I've never broken a bone other than both of my thumbs. My favorites numbers are 513 and 23. A lot of people call me Kelso.
What are your favorite subjects to write about?
Anything and everything! I love to write about random things, common or trending subjects, lessons I've learned, places I've been and, surprisingly, political topics.
Who has been most influential in your life?
My family. My parents have taught me everything I know and every life skill I need to be successful on my own. My older brother, Ryan, is a funny, intelligent guy with awesome music. My older sister, Sarah, is my best friend. We've had quite the childhood together, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. She's the most trustworthy and hard-working person I know. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being an aunt to her perfect, beautiful daughter.
My best friends and boyfriend have also been a major source of support and advice. They've seen every side of me (and there's quite a few) and have stuck around...I've definitely found my forever friends.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love road trips—everything from wrong turns to late night diner stops. I also love to shop. I'm borderline addicted to Amazon Prime. I spend a lot of my time with friends and family. I am a concert fanatic, especially country concerts! Fishing, boating, baseball and beaching are my favorite summer activities.
I really enjoy classes, especially this semester being more major-focused. I love my daycare jobs; 8 a.m. shifts can be rough, but I'd rather be painting or building towers than sitting in a cubicle any day! Kids are honest with you, make you laugh, make you think, make you patient and make you silly. What else could you ask for in a job?
I have a ton of "open hobbies." I love to take risks and try new things. I'm a digital designer for Shippensburg's Activities Program Board where I design a lot of marketing items for events. I also was a pure romance consultant; however, with school and writing I'm not quite as active lately. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pureromancebykels.
In college, I am in In any free time I have, I love Pinterest and crafting. This semester, I am rushing Greek Life! I love to stay busy, but also take the time for Netflix binges and making new friends.
Why did you chose Shippensburg University and what are your plans after college?
When I began my college search, I had high expectations and very open, prestigious options. I only visited three colleges and applied to two of them. The first open-house I went to for Shippensburg had my full interest. At the time, I would say I was drawn in most by their cheerleading team, education program and very nice housing.
Now that I have been here for three semesters, I've realized how accurate and beneficial my choice of Shippensburg has become. When it comes down to it, I've chosen Shippensburg for five main reasons: A beautiful and diverse campus, endless organization, volunteer and professional development opportunities, outstanding programs and professors, the only university in Pennsylvania with an operating lab school and child care facility on campus and finally, the friends and advisers that I've met and become so close to.
Having a lab school on campus is one of the greatest attributes for an education major at Shippensburg. With completing 40-50 observation and field hours a semester, the facilities open to students are so accessible with such a welcoming and nurturing environment. The opportunity we have to experience the material hands-on we are covering in textbooks is amazing. As a part-time teacher at Bartos Child and Family Center and a theater club volunteer at GBlues, I can personally say every faculty and staff member I've encountered with truly shows the dedication and heart needed to become a teacher. I always will love Shippensburg!
My plans after college include receiving a PreK-4 early childhood and PreK-8 special education license to teach in the state of Pennsylvania. I plan to stay a lifelong learner and receive my masters in reading from either Shippensburg, Millersville or a university in Virgina. As of now, I hope to become a second grade teacher.
Why have you chosen to write for the Odyssey?
English has always been my strongest subject in all my years of schooling. However, I came to a point in high school where I couldn't find the time to write for fun. All of my writing efforts and ideas came from a book we read, the research we conducted, or standard prompts with little room for creativity.
In high school, I was extremely involved in cheerleading, music and several leadership organizations. As my parents always said, "my plate was full!" but it was not until this past December that I realized just how full my plate truly was.
During my most recent winter break at home, I went through a lot of unexpected hardships as well as milestones. Needless to say, I was looking for a new outlet and way to share my story (both the good and the bad) with those who could benefit from hearing it. Being the active social media user that I am, I am constantly reading and relating to articles from Odyssey.
Towards the end of break and beginning of a new semester, I took two weeks for myself. You wouldn't believe how much I experienced and learned in these two weeks. In just two weeks, I was faced with some of my biggest challenges as well as some major, positive turning points in my life. I'm proud to say I've come a long way - healthier and so much happier. During those two weeks, I wrote a list of 100 things to tell yourself in less than 45 minutes: http://theodysseyonline.com/shippensburg/100-thing... It was accepted as an open submission and within a few days, I was ecstatic to see the Odyssey contact me about hiring as a writer!
I love representing myself and others in positive ways. I believe I am very connected to my school, home, and online communities. I feel as if I have stories to share, in an advising and slightly humorous fashion. Odyssey has given me the opportunity to express my opinions without hesitation. I'm so excited for this experience!
To my readers:
I hope you find peace, strength, hope and laughter in my future articles.
"Define success on your own terms. Achieve it by your own rules. And build a life you're proud to live." - Anne Sweeney
