ABOUT McKenna
Appalachian State University, Junior
I love my college because…
there isn’t a more beautiful campus in North Carolina. I truly believe that my heart belongs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I not only fell in love with the natural beauty found in the Appalachian mountains, but the people couldn’t be sweeter. Everyone treats you like family and as if you have lived there your whole life. The camaraderie within the students and the mutual love for our school make App State untouchable compared to any other university.
I really hate when…
someone is always putting themselves down and making negative comments about themselves. For example when people may say, “I am so fat” or “I look horrible.” I hate hearing people talk negatively about themselves more than anything, especially when what they’re saying couldn’t be further from the truth.
I major in…
Communication Sciences and Disorders. With this degree, I plan on continuing my education for four more years preceding my undergrad degree and becoming an Audiologist. I chose this pathway because I, myself, have actually experienced a severe hearing loss in my right ear since birth. Although it is not bilateral and I do not have to make as many accommodations, I still understand some of the struggles that come with the loss. I hope to utilize this career as a way to help as many individuals within the deaf community as possible.
My hometown is awesome because…
I am fortunate enough to have my whole family, including extended family, in Wilkes. This is such a blessing, allowing my family to be very close. I know I always have a strong support system right here.
At school, you can find me…
beginning my third year on the App State Elite Dance Team. This is my biggest commitment outside of schoolwork. We perform at all football games, basketball games, and wrestling matches. I am also involved in the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSHLA) club, and I also hold the secretary position for the Appvocates club.
The coolest class I’ve taken so far is…
an SDAP seminar class. SDAP stands for Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program. This includes students with special needs who were accepted into a two-year collegiate program that focuses on academic progression as well as social integration. I had the privilege of being a part of a class with these scholars and it was such a blessing. Seeing these students following their dreams and being given the opportunities they had wished for their whole lives was very inspiring. The class may not have been geared to directly influence my academic progression, but I learned more in this class than I have in any other class I had previously taken.
If I had 24 hours left to live, I would…
spend them surrounded by the people I love most: my parents, grandparents, my brother, my closest friends, and especially my dog. I would also go to The Cheesecake Factory and consume as many calories as possible.
I’m going to be Miss COED 2017 because…
I believe that I fit the criteria for what is expected of Miss COED 2017 perfectly. I believe that my best quality is my heart for others and the compassion I feel for people. I believe that kindness is the most important thing a person could give. I think that this is also the first thing anyone that knows me would say about me when asked about my most distinguishable characteristic. I am also very involved at App State, attending almost all big sporting events, whether I am on the sidelines or performing. I believe that I am a great representative of Appalachian State University and I would love nothing more than to get the honor of doing so.
