You’ve probably seen this lovely lady giving tours on campus, or maybe you’ve heard her amazing vocals at an a cappella concert. Or, if you follow her on Snapchat, you’ve likely seen her many video updates this past week about Dance Marathon. Since the big event is tonight, we sat down with the talented Keyana Reid to ask her a little more about Dance Marathon and how it’s impacted her past four years here at EC!
Her Campus Emmanuel: Thanks for sitting down with us during such a busy week! Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do around campus.
Keyana Reid: I am a senior here at Emmanuel studying elementary education. I’ve done quite a bit during my time at EC! Currently, I am part of the acapella group For Good Measure, I am an Admissions Ambassador, and I am one of the Marathon Events Coordinator for Emmanuel College Dance Marathon. In the past, I was an Orientation Leader and a writer for HCE.
HCE: Wow, you’ve certainly had a full college experience. When did you first get involved with Dance Marathon?
KR: I got involved with Dance Marathon my first year at EC. The fellow in my FYS was on the board and talked to us about it during one of our classes. It seemed interesting so I signed up and made a team with some of my friends. I had such an amazing experience that I continued to participate as a dancer each year after, and now am on the board!
HCE: It’s great to hear you’ve had such a great experience. What has Dance Marathon really brought to your life? Do you have a favorite memory?
KR: Dance Marathon has brought a sense of purpose to my life. I have to say that being a part of this nationwide movement has probably been the most fulfilling thing I have done at Emmanuel. I think there is something very special about a small community coming together to make a difference in the lives of children. As an education major, I am someone who believes in the value of childhood and youth and this program has been able to allow my to explore this passion.
HCE: It’s great that you were able to get so much out of this and that it links so closely with your future career path. So, what are you most excited about for the big event on Saturday? What can we expect to see?
KR: I am just excited for it to happen! I have been working with the whole board to plan the whole twelve hour event and think that everyone is going to have a great time! You can expect games, competitions, LOTS of food, dance parties, musical performances, human Hungry Hungry Hippo, AND THE KIDS!!
HCE: Sounds like a jam-packed night! I’m sure it will be awesome. Looking forward to the future, do you have any post-grad plans? Where might we find you after graduation?
KR: I actually do have post-grad plans which is exciting! I have recently accepted a position as a Teaching Fellow with KIPP MA. I will be a full time co-teacher in either Mattapan or Lynn, Ma.
HCE: Congratulations! That sounds like a great opportunity. One final question: we know you’ve been super involved on campus these past four years. Can you tell us about some of your best college memories as senior year comes to a close?
KR: Wow… where to begin. The past four years have been so memorable in all the ways, good and bad haha. I don’t think I can pick one memory, but I can say that Emmanuel has been the place where I have been able to find who I am and what it is that I want. There is so much that I have learned and so many people who have become some of the most important people in my life. I hope to carry what I have learned at Emmanuel with me wherever I go next.
What a great note to end on! Thanks to Keyana for sharing her time and thoughts with us today, and we wish her and the rest of the board luck tonight. It’s fair to say she’s convinced us to swing by the event tonight – see you all at 10PM in the gym! #FTK