Kendra Mulcahy
Graduation year: 2011
Majors: Psychology and women and gender studies
Minor: Biology
Activities: Cheerleading, Psychology Club, Women and Leadership Symposium student coordinator, Dance Marathon
Post-grad plans: Work for the Handicapped Development Center in Davenport and help establish Dress for Success in the Quad Cities
Are you where you thought you¡¯d be four years ago?
No, I was given many more opportunities then I ever expected, including access to community involvement, several internships, assistance in maintaining a part-time job and aid in connecting to individuals who helped me build my future career.
A peak experiences?
My peak experience was realizing what I want to do after graduation. After a very inspiring internship at Edgerton Women¡¯s Health Center in Davenport and being the student coordinator for the Women in Leadership Symposium at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, I realized I wanted to be a leader in an organization that assists underprivileged women find their true potential. As a result, I have been active in several organizations that do just that, and I hope to stay active in the Quad-Cities community.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
I have a lot more potential than I ever thought. At Augie I met a variety of individuals who have mentored me and shown me how to enhance my best qualities. This has allowed me to be recognized for talents I never thought I had and become more confident in myself.
Besides your family, who helped you get to where you are now?
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø staff, faculty, close friends I have met on campus and the people in the community who have guided me on a very structured path. All of these individuals have given me the tools and confidence to prove to myself that there are no limitations to life.
Anything you¡¯d like to add?
The small class size at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø has really allowed me to be more successful. It is not difficult at all to meet with a professor for extra help or advice.
Advice for this fall¡¯s incoming class (Class of 2015)?
Get involved within the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø community and within the Quad-Cities area. Augie and the QCA have a number of resources that can lead you to a successful future after graduation. Also, take advantage of the faculty and staff at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. There are great people everywhere who are very willing to help you with any issue you might have.
"Kendra¡¯s involvement in movements for gendered equality both on and off campus in the last few years has been impressive, and for that reason, I asked her to act as student coordinator for our first Women in Leadership Symposium. Her ¡®trial by fire¡¯ in putting this symposium together prepared her for real-life leadership, and attracted the attention of Dress for Success ¡ª sending her on the road to her post-graduation work. Kendra¡¯s work here has embodied the combination of learning and doing that is central to Women¡¯s & Gender Studies and to the liberal arts experience."