Kayla
Majoring in Public Relations, Webster University
Hometown: St. Louis

I am Kayla Kell, a senior public relations major at Webster University, and I am also the president of the Keep Me In College Coalition. I have been so lucky to be involved with the coalition. This opportunity has allowed me to use my PR knowledge for a cause I strongly believe in supporting.

I grew up in a family that could never overcome poverty level. My parents have five kids together. Neither of my parents finished high school, and both struggled financially as we were growing up. Because of these circumstances, I knew I wanted to receive a college education and defeat the cycle of poverty my family has tried to fight for years.

Of course, college has taken a great load of effort for me to afford it. I have worked no less than two jobs through my four years at Webster. I have, however been very fortunate to receive financial aid that has been a relief for me. Access Missouri has been a huge part of that aid. I receive the maximum award. Without it, I might not have been able to attend college.

I became involved with Keep Me In College last spring when I heard Access Missouri funding was being threatened. Since then I have been an advocate for the coalition and funding for struggling college students.

I will be graduating in May, but I have four younger siblings who will benefit greatly from financial aid just as I did. I want them to have the same opportunities that were made available for me. My siblings and the thousands of other struggling Missouri students are why Access Missouri and Keep Me In College Coalition are so important to me.