Strong. Selfless. Blatant. Hardworking. Pretty. Determined. Trustworthy. Persistent. There are countless adjectives that can describe Kelsey Scott from Brooklyn, New York. Kelsey grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant (“Bedstuy”), known to be of the most diverse places in Brooklyn, where cultures are astoundingly represented through various dishes, clothing, music, art and appreciation of creativity.
“Jump let them see, love and unity! One big family, togetherness!”
-Square One
Kelsey was born into two enriching cultures that promote togetherness and the power of a strong family. Her mother is Grenadian (Grenada) and her father is Tobagonian (Tobago). Both parents taught her and her siblings the value of respect and honesty. Even though Kelsey is a mix of two different cultures, her family’s value remain the same: they are fighters, they are resilient, and they will always find a way together.
In July of 2014, Kelsey continued her journey to Potsdam, New York to start another chapter of her life at Clarkson University. Potsdam is a tiny town in upstate New York, about an hour and a half from Montreal, Canada. It’s a little town where college students can go grab a bagel, a sandwich, watch a movie, have a drink at Maxfields, Mexican food at Cantina, a burger at BTB and dance at Streets. But that’s all Potsdam really has to offer. Imagine moving from a city that moves so fast and never sleeps to a place where stores are closed by 9 p.m.
Let’s get to know Kelsey Scott a little more...
Q: What’s your major and why is it the best fit for you?
A: I’m currently double majoring in Psychology and Global Supply Chain. Psychology is something I absolutely love, so I’m taking it for fun. I’ve always been fascinated by the origins of behaviors, emotions and attitudes. Every time I take a Psychology course I feel like it helps me to understand why people do the things they do. Global supply chain is not a passion of mine; I don’t really have any strong emotions towards it. Right now I consider it my safety net — that degree would be a means to help me pay for law school and that’s about it.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do at Clarkson?
A: My favorite thing to do at Clarkson…Uh, most of my fun I find off of campus. Entertainment-wise this campus doesn’t cater to my taste, so I don’t really have a favorite thing to do. With that being said spending time in the Office of Student Diversity has become one of my Clarkson highlights. The conversations I have with Demetrius Dowell on the daily expand my range of thinking, ensuring that my creativity isn’t stifled. His office has become my favorite places to be on campus.
Q: Are you involved on campus and how?
A: Right now on campus I’m involved in a few clubs. I am a member of the step team, Organized Chaos. Currently, I am the vice president of the Black Student Union. Recently, I was elected treasurer of the National Society of Black Engineers. Right now I am working with two awesome, driven women on a project that will shake up this campus. Just wait on it.
(P.S. I’m one of those awesome women she’s working with! You’re also awesome and driven! I’m glad you’re one of my partners!)
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do after studying?
A: My favorite thing to do after studying is finding a party and going out dancing. Dancing is my favorite way to de-stress, so anytime I get the opportunity to do it I jump on it. I also like sleeping, binge watching Netflix and eating.
Q: What is one thing you would like to see different at Clarkson University?
A: One thing I would like to see different at Clarkson is a language course. I’ve been dying to take one; last year, I believe, they had Mandarin but it didn’t fit into my schedule. That class also seems to have died out. I think a language course is something this campus needs to have for several reasons. One, it is a sure-fire way to promote cultural competency on our campus (something I feel we desperately need). Secondly, being able to pick up a language gives you an advantage when looking for jobs. Thirdly, language is awesome, period.
Q: If you had to plan an event, what would that event be?
A: One event I would love to plan and see come to fruition is a concert. I am dying to plan a concert that would involve Clarkson, SLU, Potsdam and Canton. This concert would stand to connect all of the campuses to do something fun together. With the budget of all four universities, this would be one of the most grandiose events college students could experience in the North Country. Can you imagine a concert with like Drake, or J. Cole, or Kendrick Lamar up here? It would be dope, but the only way to pull that off is if there is a collective effort between everyone.
Q: What do you think people see when they look at you and what would you like people to see or know about you?
A: Well, I’m told I have really bad resting b**tch face, so I feel like when people look at me they see an angry black girl, another girl from the city with an attitude. I come off as unapproachable. It’s annoying and it’s frustrating. I wish when people looked at me they would see someone who loves to laugh and have a good time. I wish they would see someone who is goofy with a big heart and is an awesome friend.
Kelsey is a minority at Clarkson University, where she faced culture shock and had to adapt to a new environment. It’s not the easiest thing moving from one of the greatest cities in the world (biased) to a small town like Potsdam. It’s also difficult for her being a woman of color where people are constantly staring and having to deal with some innocent ignorant comments. As a young woman, Kelsey learned to stay true to her values and continues to promote inclusion and diversity on campus. She’s not the only one who’s going through this problem. I would like to say thank you to Clarkson University. I give thanks to the students who make minorities feel comfortable. The professors, the Office of Student Diversity, Student Success Center, CUPO and HEOP for being our support system! I also want to challenge those who are aspiring leaders to promote inclusion, promote multicultural events, and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
