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Merissa Khumalo

1,225

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My zeal for educating learners of diverse backgrounds, stems from my negative experiences as a female student of color, living with Multiple Sclerosis. Many have discouraged me in my journey, from becoming a teacher, because they thought I couldn't handle it, however, this process has only contributed further to my desire to make a change, and I have always been determined to make a place for other passionate educators like myself, who are graced with a little "extra", as I like to say. Though I feel well-prepared to take on any challenge in the teaching profession, I feel strongly that there is overwhelming neglect by my program to provide pathways and support for educators of color and differing needs. I say this not to take away from all the ways I have been prepared for this through my program, but rather to emphasize my passion for transparency and vulnerability in the classroom, and to express how intrigued I am by any mission geared towards inspiring scholars to learn as critical thinkers; as I have similar goals and am a firm advocate for teaching the "whole student" and to support those who have been disadvantaged by the fallacies of the education system. I am very much looking forward to hearing from anyone that shares a similar goal of making a real change with recognition, representation, and relationship-building with those who may or may not look like us, walk like us, talk like us, or even live near us. Thank you for reading this far---people don't read these days (:

Education

University of Kentucky

Bachelor's degree program
2015 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Curriculum and Instruction
    • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
    • Education, General
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

      Company Founder

    • Pharmacy Technician

      University of Kentucky Pharmacy
      2016 – 20171 year
    • Preschool Teacher

      Kindercare Learning Center
      2017 – 20181 year
    • Waitress, Hostess, Part-time Manager

      Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Tony's Seafood and Steaks, Bru Burger Bar, Caldo Cafe
      2014 – 20206 years

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2011 – 20121 year

    Volleyball

    Varsity
    Present

    Basketball

    Varsity
    Present

    Research

    • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services

      University of Kentucky — research participant for data contribution
      Present
    • Psychology, General

      University of Kentucky — Survey Participant
      2015 – 2015
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

      University of Kentucky — Data Analyist
      2015 – 2016

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Amachi Mentorship Program, Common Good, Arts on the Move Studio, and more — Volunteer/ Mentor
      2014 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship
    Winner
    All 'The Tea' About the Ikhaya Collections Brand "It started with just wanting to make candles, which might light up the room and create “vibez”, or whatever. But, my LOUD inner voice told me, "it's your time to let your voice be heard"; and heard in a big way. Next thing I know I wanted to light up the world." I once heard a quote about discerning ‘good days’ from ‘bad days’. It said something like, “if you experience many emotions in one day, those are the best days”. I couldn't tell you when or where I heard it, or else I would give credit where credit is due, but you better believe, I came to realize this is pure FACTS! The days I smiled and laughed all day, and I cried and contemplated all night, ended up being the most transformative and meaningful days in my life. Yet, somehow I never was able to see my potential amongst these emotions. Not until I began to believe in myself, did I feel I could manifest a story so powerful that it could eventually help others reach theirs...and potentially change the world. Through physical and mental health battles--not to mention a disaster that goes by “2020”--I have spent many of my days in my home, picking and prodding at my potential and writing down every thought caged in this big head of mine (no really, have you seen it?). Within these reflections, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes (again, no idea who first said this), "Don't 'someday' yourself out of a lifetime. Make today someday". I decided a month ago to make every day count, and the Ikhaya Collections brand was born. But, why the name, "ikhaya"? Well, in short, I wanted to develop a brand that incorporates elements of my South African culture, and the word, "ikhaya", literally means, "home", in Zulu, the language of the tribe to which I belong. You'll notice other elements of my cultures throughout the brand and products. For example, in the original line of candles, the four scents are representative of my culture: Cape Breeze, referring to the breeze off the coast of Cape Town, SA; Warm Malva, my favorite South African dessert, similar to a sticky toffee pudding; Precious Protea, a nod to the national flower of SA, the protea; and finally Safari Sunset--quite little has compared to the views of a South African sunset while on safari. "'Ikhaya', extends beyond just the physical home and instead embodies the homes of all those co-existing in our shared home--planet earth." To be alive, is to be a part of this world, so, whether rich or poor, BIPOC or white, ill or able, we all share the undeniable reality that the earth is our home, and like any toxic relationship, you may still be together, but at least one person is suffering. Ikhaya Home Collections aims to take the pressure off 'our home', which is currently suffering from our environmental greed and abuse, by committing to ethical and environmental responsibility in our packaging and building sustainable products. "Not only do we care about all of the issues that affect our 'shared home', but our individual homes around the world; more specifically, our people. " Another major part of our mission is to support each other--in all that we are and all that we go through-- to get to where we want to be, together. As a black, woman, with a disability, I have inherited a handful of life-changing virtues, which I now live by. Here are 4: #1- You are an expert on your own life, so do not conform to what others have told you about yourself. #2- The only way to receive respect and recognition for what is important to you and yours is to be your own biggest supporter. #3-By nature, we are surrounded by people--help them, and let them help you. #4-What you do today might change your tomorrow, but if you do not make it to tomorrow, the potential of what you 'could have done' is irrelevant. As an advocate for all that is good for us, I want to inspire people to do everything possible to build positive relationships around our differences. Ikhaya desires to make our home a better place to live in, by first advocating for social justice and inspiring daily change, starting with the issues that affect the places and people we call 'home'. As a final question, "What does home mean to you?" I have always felt that if you do not let your story be told, you are discounting your identity and putting your potential on layaway. Well, like an abandoned Amazon cart, it's always there and steadily reminding you of its presence until you place your order.