Whether she is volunteering with local children, researching how to teach Shakespeare or interning for an Indian organization for girls, the junior English major is working to promote education.
Kelly Richard wants to make things happen, and she sees Elon as the place to do it. “Elon is not an environment full of closed doors,” the junior says. “If I knock on a door and ask if it can be opened for me, almost always the answer is ‘yes.’ The well of opportunity is incredible.”
An English major with a teaching concentration, Kelly opened a chapter of the national organization She’s the First, which promotes education for girls in developing countries. So far the Elon chapter has raised nearly $1,500 to support the organization. In addition to working with student groups, Kelly tutors at Elon’s Writing Center and volunteers with the Elon Academy, a college access and success program for local high school students.
Kelly was a sophomore in high school when she decided to pursue a career in teaching. She is working with students at Western Alamance High School as a student teacher as well as researching the use of graphic novels to teach Shakespeare. The goal is to make his works engaging for all types of students.
She will spend the summer in India working as a curriculum team intern for VOICE 4 Girls, an organization that organizes empowerment camps for girls. In her position, she will help write and structure curriculums for their programs. She spent two years doggedly pursuing the opportunity and ultimately got not only the internship but also a grant to cover the costs. Coming from a family of teachers, Kelly understands the importance of good educators and is ready to jump in. “I’m doing all of the preparation work now, and I’m so excited to try it all out and see if my passion translates,” she says. “I simply want to do what I can to help others. What a great way to spend your life.”
“I Am Elon” is a multimedia series by The Magazine of Elon featuring Elon students in their own words.
By Kim Walker