Name: Kenice Kenlock
Major: Biology & Spanish Double Major
Hometown: I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Jamaica
What attracted you to the Biology/ Spanish major?
I’ve had a love for Biology since high school and it felt natural to pursue a degree in the subject. I didn’t anticipate doing a double major but I have enjoyed all my Spanish classes at Mount Holyoke to date and it just happened. This works out just fine, because I have dreams of working in the healthcare industry, and so having the ability to speak another language definitely opens many other doors of opportunity.
What is something that is unknown about your culture and/or hometown?
The Jamaican flag colors are black, green and gold and it is one of two countries that has no colors in common with the flag of the United States. Mauritania is the other country with green and yellow.
What is your role in MHACASA and what made you want to run for this position ?
Currently, I serve as the Secretary of MHACASA. I ran for this position because I had experience as a Secretary in a high school club and thought it was a good way to improve on my communication skills, team working and leadership abilities.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the women in my family. My family consists of many women who are all successful in their various carers and seeing them succeed and overcoming various obstacles really inspires and pushes me to work to my full potential. They all expect great things from me and I would hate to disappoint the women who are cheering for me to reach my goals.
What made you select MHC?
I didn’t have the opportunity to tour the campus before applying or after acceptance and so I depended heavily on the pictures on the website and outside articles which mentioned life on campus. I ended up choosing Mount Holyoke because I went to an all-girls high school and so I had an idea of the type of environment to expect at an all women’s college. Additionally, the campus looked very similar to that of my high school’s, which had lots of trees and green space. The school’s motto also resonated with me during my application process: “Never fear/Change”. Even before coming to the US, I had to deal with change, and it was during my application process, when I had to write about my personal experience with change that I came to really understand the importance and value of it.
How has the sisterhood bond that you made in MHACASA helped you transition to MHC?
As an international first year student, I didn’t know anyone before I got here. Being apart of MHACASA introduced me to many other Caribbean and African students who decided to leave their home countries in search of higher education. Having this sisterhood which began many years ago, creates a welcoming space and the knowledge that there are hundreds of students like me who made this big change, and if they did it, so can I.
Any advice to incoming international students?
My advice would be to seriously think about the type of environment you want to spend the next four years in. Research as much as you can about a school and its location. Mount Holyoke is a great place to develop as an individual, to really spread your wings and try new things. Also spend time getting to know yourself: what you like, what you don’t like and be real about the situation. The more honest you are about your dreams/goals the less burdening a major change like coming to the US will seem.
What song is on repeat and what is you favorite type of music?
My favorite type of music is definitely Gospel. So many songs go through my head, but I would say “Ocean (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United.
What is your favorite food from your culture?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I do enjoy a hot plate of stew peas with pigtail and white rice for dinner. I can’t tell you how to prepare it, because I’m not a chef like my mom, but it has red peas, pigtails and tiny boiled dumplings cooked until it attains a consistency of thick soup (it’s not soup though). A picture is worth a thousand words. You can also substitute the pigtail for beef. Talking about this makes me crave a plate.
You are halfway through your college education, what have you learned about yourself thus far?
So far, I learned that I am stronger than I think. My days are usually busy doing various activities: PLUMS sessions ( Peer-Led Undergraduate Mentoring System), meeting with friends and professors, extracurricular activities, and the gym. When I step back and look at my schedule, it’s overwhelming and I wonder how I do it all without collapsing. I know it’s God’s grace that gives me the strength to take on each new day with enthusiasm and eagerness. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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