Ky Kimmons Earn Masters Degree While Balancing Life
It was not too long-ago Ky Kimmons graduated from Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) in 2015 with a whole life ahead of her. Since graduation, Ky has embraced life and achieved many impressive accomplishments that include marriage, motherhood, career, and earlier this year in May graduating from Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) with a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education.
Ky Kimmons, who was known as Kyrayla Hunt while a student at BCHS, graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in 2020. She returned to her alma mater and has been teaching English IV for the past four years. Ky has become a much-loved teacher at BCHS while working alongside some of the same people that taught her while she was a student at the school.
It is Ky’s love of learning and pursuit of a Master of Science in School Counseling that set her on the path of attending FHU. This time, when she began her studies, Ky was not only a wife and had a career as a teacher, but also was a mother of two (and later three) children. Needless to say, balancing family, work, and studying presented many challenges.
“My work-life balance was a struggle I must say. It is very difficult being a full-time wife, mom, student, and teacher – one of whom wears many hats,” said Ky, who noted family support and personal work ethic were assets for managing it all while she was in school. “I was able to balance everything because of the amazing support system I have and my strong work ethic. I am very big on organization, and I must write everything down. Time management and adaptability are two of my biggest strengths.”
Staying focused on her goal was also necessary for Ky’s success in the academic program with coursework she described as being “extremely rigorous”. Ky admitted there were times when she did not believe it was possible for her to complete the work in time and also maintain a 4.0 grade point average.
Ky credits her husband, Quez, for playing a major role in her success by supporting her throughout the entire journey. Quez was there to listen to every paper she wrote, discussion she posted, and the lesson plans she created.
“Every time I wanted to give up, he would be there reminding me of how far I have come. I also learned that I must show myself more grace. I am so hard on myself. I have people tell me all the time that they don’t know how I do it. I laugh and say, ‘it was all a blur’. But truly, I stress a lot and suffer from bad anxiety. I may make things look easy, but it’s a battle every day,” said Ky, who continued to work hard and never gave up.
That determination earned her a 4.0 at graduation!
Earning her master’s degree is a huge accomplishment for Ky. Choosing to return to school in the midst of life with the numerous responsibilities she already had was not an easy decision. Practically speaking, it probably would have been easier if Ky had waited a few more years to return to school, especially since she had young children.
“As a mom, you are everything to everyone and oftentimes nothing to yourself. Our kids remind me of who I work so hard for. I love them dearly,” said Ky, who shared a bit of encouragement for mothers considering continuing their education. “Do not forget who you are in the midst of all the roles you play. It will be difficult. You will cry, yell, and be overstimulated, but you will get it done. Make sure you have people in your corner to help you through the rough days and your calendar will be your new best friend.”
Ky is thankful for the experience she had while attending FHU. Although she truly values the relationships she built with her peers, Ky is extremely appreciative of the care the professors give to their students.
“The one thing that I absolutely loved about FHU is the family-oriented approach they have for students. There was not a single professor at the university that did not treat me as if I were their own child. They made me feel seen and valued and those are some aspects that most students do not experience on a large campus,” said Ky, who hopes her students at BCHS feel the same about her approach to teaching. “Everyone I encountered asked me about my personal life and what I had going on. They were accommodating and understanding and there are a few that I consider to be my close friends now.’
She shared some advice to students heading to college.
“I would just like to give a piece of advice to anyone heading to further their education – get to know your professors! I know it seems unlikely that you would have anything in common, but it is better to know your professor and have him/her know you before something goes wrong than to struggle to explain yourself afterwards,” said Ky.
Ky returned to the classroom at BCHS in August for the new school year. Although Ky enjoys standing in front of the classroom as a teacher, she is looking forward to returning to the classroom and sitting at a desk as a student.
“Hopefully, after completing my second master’s degree, I will transition into a counselor position – a role that I believe more directly aligns with my career goals,” said Ky.
Looking at what Ky Kimmons has already accomplished in less than 10 years only makes one wonder what Ky’s next 10 years of life will look like and the accomplishments she will make.
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