Lyndsey Khalen Kincaid

Currently preparing to be a sophomore at Santa Clara University, I am originally from Chicago, Illinois and grew up in the south shore area. I imagine that most people from my grade school, one of the public schools listed in the Chicago Public School system that eventually closed, would not be surprised of my success so far due to my performance in the classroom. However, it was not exactly expected based on the expectations that stem from the school or neighborhood. Luckily, I am not one to let my surroundings determine my future and I have my upbringing to thank for that. To put it simply, I am a restaurant kid. I have grown up surrounded by, and working in, the restaurant business since the age of eight. I have learned so much about goals, sacrifice, belief, diversity, understanding and more from this experience. I've learned how to communicate and tend to others needs. I have also heard a great deal of stories, which brings me to my career goals and why I want to write for the Odyssey. In the future, I plan to become a journalist. Although I am not exactly sure which kind, I know that I want to write something that will inspire people and deepen their thoughts. I believe that words are so powerful and when the pen is in the right person's hand, so much positive change can take place. My unique upbringing and background has allowed me to view the world in such a different way. I would like to share these views with others by writing for the Odyssey. I understand that the Odyssey is a key resource for sharing the ideas and thoughts of this current generation and I want to be included in the movement. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself.