Kenaya Anderson

Growing up I learned what it was like to struggle. My mom raised me while a single mom and did all she could to maintain a job and keep us going. Despite my mom's hard work, though, we ended up loosing our home; life seemed to go downhill from there. My sophomore year of high school I moved in with one of my high school friends, barely knowing her, and for years all I wanted was to go home and be with my mom. Because my mom wanted me to finish my education at my local high school, she left me put at my friend's and went off to accept a job opportunity in Amarillo. Figuring out who you are as an adult without your mom is tough, and though I am grateful for the new beginnings I have had with my friend and her family, I sometimes wish I could become an adult with my mom by my side. Having this experience, though, has better motivated me to accomplish my goal of pursuing a career in radio. Radio, specifically radio broadcasting, has always had a special place in my heart; while struggling with my mom, turning on the radio and listening to talk shows and different podcasts somehow seemed to comfort me whenever I felt alone. Though college is challenging financially, I aim to graduate from Texas Tech and obtain a major in Communication Studies and a minor in Creative Media Industries. College is my gateway to success, and I am passionate about reaching the other side and walking through the gate one day.