2018-C. Kenzie Corbin

C. Kenzie Corbin

First Major: Neuroscience
Second Major:French
Minor: Biotechnology/Bio-engineering

300 Word Statement

Five years ago, when I answered the “Why Lafayette?” Common App question with a witty “Cur Non,” I could not have predicted the extent of how much this institution would help me to truly embody and foster the “Why Not” ideal among those around me. A large part of my Lafayette experience has been intertwined with Admissions, from being a tour guide and senior interviewer to the current Chair of the LCAP program, dedicated to ingraining multicultural competency into the new tour guide education. Prospective students commonly ask me to describe the typical Lafayette undergrad, hoping that my answer will somehow include a description that fits them. I was once that student. We were all once that student, unsure of whether our story, our personality, our multi-faceted nature would be accepted here. I can wholeheartedly say that the typical Lafayette student is anything but typical. When I was applying to colleges, I dreamt of being a doctor, an engineer, a photographer, an entrepreneur, a social justice activist, fluent in French, and a world traveler. Other schools told me to pick one area and focus on that, but Lafayette held its doors wide open with a simple, yet steadfastly supportive Cur Non. Studying cinema in Paris as a pre-medical student and having my own photography exposition to show the humanity behind the homeless refugee population there is but one example of how Lafayette enabled me to combine my passions. I have seen firsthand the collaborative magic of our institution through all the help I received with organizing the Mental Miles 5K for NAMI. Despite the torrential downpour during the event, over 125 students and faculty still came out in the rain to run to support mental health which was simultaneously powerful and humbling. I have worked hard to make sure that this Cur Non magic remains burning brighter and brighter even long after I have left. I believe in the Lafayette Ideal of asking questions, pushing boundaries and creating new paths that were previously deemed impossible. To me, the Lafayette ideal is about fostering a passion for a never-ending pursuit of knowledge and not settling for the ordinary: something that I intend to do for the rest of my life.

Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved

  • Marquis Fellow/Dean’s List (4)

I have been extremely grateful and proud to have been granted the Marquis Fellowship, the highest merit award that enabled my being here at Lafayette a financial reality. Recipients of a Marquis award display the Marquis’ ideals of global citizenship, scholarly pursuits, leadership, and concern for others. Additionally, I have made the Dean’s List 7/8 semesters and held a cumulative GPA of 3.89

  • H. Macknight Black Poetry Award (1)

The H. MacKnight Black Poetry and Literature Prize is awarded annually to a senior who submits the best poem or group of poems in a contest conducted by the Department of English. I am beyond honored to have received this prize in Spring 2018 from contest judge Jill Bialosky for my poem entitled “Identity Crisis”.

  • James Alexander Petrie Prize in French (1)

Awarded annually to students demonstrating a high degree of proficiency in French. I received this prize in Spring 2018.

  • Excel Research (1)

Under the mentorship of Dr. Elaine Reynolds, I created the research project , “Potential of therapeutic effect of doxycycline in longevity of Drosophila Melanogaster” to evaluate mitochondrial defects in fruit flies related to varying levels of exposure to doxycycline using immunohistochemistry techniques. I conducted an observational multi-generational lifespan study and ran biochemistry assays to compare the effects of doxycycline on mitochondria of both CS wildtype and technical knockout mutants.

  • Science Horizons (1)

Science Horizons is a research mentorship program for first year students. During the Fall, Science Horizons had weekly meetings regarding all aspects of research including how to get involved on campus, its benefits, and the role of research in future careers. I stayed on campus Interim 2015 to work under Dr. Elaine Reynolds on my project “The effect of diet on mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophilia melanogaster”. I have published abstract in the Journal of Pennsylvania Academy of Science and prepared and presented poster research at Pennsylvania Academy of Science Conference in April 2015.

  • Preminger Gerontology Scholar (1)

Through the Preminger Gerontology Scholarship, I am conducting research tracking the effects of meditation, mindfulness, and yoga on the quality of life of the aging population at the Gracedale Nursing Home in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Twice a week, I lead chair yoga and meditation sessions with individuals in the Alzheimer’s Intensive Care Unit as well as those with Physical limitations. I also lead a group of volunteers from the Aging and Age-related Diseases class to Gracedale.

  • Henrietta S. Treen and Edith A. Gorsuch Scholarships (4)

For the past 4 years, I have been awarded with both of these merit scholarships from the Center for Scholarship Administration. These scholarships are given to students demonstrating high personal character that are preparing themselves for a profession in ministry, law, or medicine.

  • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (2)

In spring 2017, I was elected into the Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest, most distinguished, and most prestigious collegiate honorary society in the United States. Phi Beta Kappa elects to membership only those students who have demonstrated both breadth and depth of liberal learning and who have in the process established for themselves academic records of unquestioned excellence.

  • Psi Chi Honor Society (2)

Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology, which was founded in 1929 for the purposes of “encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology. I was inducted in Spring 2017 and have maintained an active membership.

  • Pi Delta Phi Honor Society (1)

Pi Delta Phi is the National French Honor Society that recognizes students with personal achievements in the field of French. The purpose of the Society is to recognize outstanding scholarship in the French language and increase knowledge as well as appreciation of the French speaking world. I am to be inducted into the Society Spring 2018.

Campus Services/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved

  • Mental Health Coalition (1)

Joining forces with sophomore Sophia Giovanelli, I co-founded the Mental Health Coalition (currently in process for achieving 501(c)(3) non-profit status) in order to eradicate the stigma and raise awareness about mental health on campus. I created the Mental Miles Campaign and raised over $2,100 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) through hosting a 120+ attended 5K Walk/Run in Easton, PA and creating a GoFundMe page. I started the Randon Acts of Kindness (RAKtivist) campaign to deliver care packages and positivity to students in need a few times each semester. I have helped to facilitate discussions surrounding portrayal of mental illness in the media, i.e. 13 Reasons Why and meet with the faculty members surrounding the issues. Currently, I am in the process of organizing the Henna Project (using Henna Tattooing to share the mental health stories of certain students in an art vivante display), a workshop to teach students on how to converse with friends/family members who have mental health issues, and leading a mindfulness reduction workshop open to campus community.

  • Chair of Lafayette College Ambassador Program (LCAP) (1)

I am the liaison between the Office of Admissions and LCAP Program in change of overseeing the hiring, training, and success of all tour guides, office workers, senior interviewers, and heading the student leadership committee. I attended and presented a discussion on the importance of multicultural competence in admissions recruiting at the 2018 CIVSA SDI Leadership Conference in Colubus Ohio. Since mt appointment to the position, I have been committed to mandatory diversity and inclusivity training workers in admissions including a Social Justice 101 and Safe Zone LGBTQIA+ training. Additionally, I planned the first annual LCAP formal.

  • Social Media Coordinator of LCAP (1)

During my sophomore year, I redefined the position as the liaison between Lafayette Admissions and Communications and maintained constant presence on Lafayette’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and College Confidential accounts. I hired and managed a team of Social Media Mavens provided daily updates and tips for prospective students.

  • Senior Interviewer (1)

I interview prospective students for admission into Lafayette and conduct report and follow-up. Worked full-time summer 2017 and part-time through the school year.

  • Admissions Ambassador (4)

I give tours, speaks on student panels, and host prospective students as a Student Ambassador. Additionally, I work in the office, answering phone calls and emails from prospective families.

  • Alpha Gamma Delta Women’s Fraternity, Zeta Theta (3)

I have been an active initiated member since Fall 2015 and served as year-long Sisterhood Coordinator in 2016. I planned monthly sisterhood events and retreats for the 75+ members of Zeta Theta Chapter to promote inclusion and stress relief. Examples included laser tagging, a Cinco De Mayo cultural celebration, Fall Festival and a siter weekend hiking trip. I have made it a goal to breakdown Greek life stereotypes and strive for diversity and inclusivity among members. I have served on several planning committees and helped with all of our philanthropic events including Kan Jam, Mac and Cheese with AGD, volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Easton, and AGD Week.

  • Kaleidoscope Social Justice Peer Educator (3)

One of my most impactful memberships on campus has been as a Kaleidoscope Social Justice Peer Educator. I wear my “Scope Hat” 24/7, facilitating discussions amongst my peers and standing up for injustices on our campus. I have taken an active role in promoting and facilitating intercultural exchange and exploring issues of multiculturalism, equity, and social justice on our campus over the past 3 years. I challenge peers to think about their communities through giving talks and workshops on a variety of current topics such as Microaggressions, Cultural Appropriation related to Halloween Costumes, and Social Justice 101.

  • Organic Chemistry Attic Peer Tutor (1)

I have individually tutored two Lafayette students to best assist their needs and prepare them for upcoming chemistry exams.

  • Le Cercle Français (2)

I was an active member my first year, and then helped to re-instate the club this year after it’s hiatus. I am the current vice-president of the club and help to lead weekly conversational meetings and plan Francophile events such a french movie and cheese nights and fundraisers.

  • Creative and Performing Arts (CaPA) Scholar (4)

I was awarded the CAPA Scholarship for photography and creative writing. The CAPA Scholars Program offers financial backing to the burgeoning artisits of Lafayette and provides up to $7,000 over four years to admitted students with a record of achievement in creative and performing arts. The funds are for students to pursue and develop their creative abilities. As a CAPA Scholar, I have planned multiple open mic events for the entire campus to showcase their talents, co-written a scene of Frankenstein 2029, launched the original Humans of Lafayette, and am currently working on publishing a photography book.

Community Service – Total Years Involved

  • Technology Clinic (1)

Technology Clinic is a two –semester course in which teams of students from each academic division work together on imaginative solutions to real-world problems for clients. The students are nominated by professors and former Tech Clinic students and mentored by two faculty facilitators. Under the supervision of Professor Emeritus Dan Bauer and Economics Professor Chris Ruebeck, I was a member of a five female group project “reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Bath’s mission to Clean the Streets”. We were contracted out by the Manager of Borpugh of Bath, Pennsylvania to find a solution for disposal of street waste. I researched and conducted experiments over the course of the years to determine the contents of the waste and found that street waste could be cleaned and divided into reusable anti-skid and fill components using simple separation technology. This solution has both economic and environmental benefits for Bath and surrounding municipalities. We published and presented mid-year and final results to community members including Bath Borough Manager.

  • Pre-Orientation Service Program (POSP) (4)

The Pre-Orientation Service Program (POSP) is “an immersive service experience that unites First-Year Students. Returning Leaders, Faculty, Staff, and Community Members in an inclusive environment before the Fall Semester begins. “After being a first year participant, I have been on the executive board every year, serving as the Camp Coordinator my sophomore year, and the kids in the Community (KIC) Camp Co-Director my junior senior year.

  • Firth Youth Center Volunteer (1)

Volunteered weekly at the after-school program in Phillipsburg, NJ to mentor kids aged 5-14 and help them with their homework

  • Easton Boy’s and Girls’ Club Volunteer (1)

Volunteered weekly as a Girl Scouts Troop Leader to encourage girls aged 5-14 to be of courage, confidence, and character, and strive to make the world a better

  • Make a Difference Day (2)

Volunteered for the Landis day of service during my freshmen and sophomore years at various sites in Easton.

  • Lafapalooza (1)

Volunteered for the Landis day of service at the Weed and Seed location

  • Literacy Day (1)

Volunteered for Literacy Day, an annual event sponsored by the Landis Center. The primary focus of this community-oriented event is to promote enthusiasm for reading and other types of literacy.

  •  Lehigh Valley Health Network – Muhlenberg Volunteer (2)

I volunteered weekly in the Emergency Department, assisting nurses by taking rounds on patients; providing patients and family members with blankets, food/water, and emotional support; restocking medical supplies.

  • OGEC Groupe Scolaire Sœur Rosalie English Teaching Assistant (Paris, France) (1)

During my semester abroad, I volunteered weekly as the English Class Teaching Assistant in a local Parisian School English Class for level 5 students ages 11-12. Corrected their English pronunciation and grammar, led speaking activities in class, and worked individually with small student groups to address specific language needs.

  •  Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity (3)

I was a member of the original 10-member petitioning group to reinstate the Alpha chapter of the national service fraternity starting my first year.

Athletics Activity/Award – Total Years Involved

  • Aflicktion Club Ultimate Frisbee Team (4)

One of my most favorite parts of my Lafayette experience has been my involvement with the Frisbee team. I have been an active member since the first day of my freshmen year, attending practice twice a week, participating and organizing inter-collegiate tournaments across the country including the High Tide Spring Break tournament. I served as social chair for 3 years tasked with recruiting new members and am currently the Vice President and CPR/First Aid Trained Safety Officer of the team.

  • Co-Ed Basketball Intramurals (1)

I was the captain of a co-ed basketball team my freshmen year.

  • Co-Ed Soccer Intramurals (1)

I was the captain of a co-ed soccer team Spring 2018. We won our league division!

  • Battleship Intramurals (3)

For every spring that I was on campus, I have participated in the Battleship intramural competition.

  • Body Pump and Group Fit Classes (1)

I am a regular Body Pump class participant and have attended every Monday class of the semester. I also try to attend 2 other Group Fit Classes weekly in addition to Monday Body Pump, including Zumba and PiYo.

  • Running (1)

To raise money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, I trained for 18 weeks and ran the VIA Half Marathon in September 2017 and the Philadelphia Full Marathon in November 2017. I created the Mental Miles GoFundMe Fundraising Campaign and launched a body and mind-positive Instagram to help keep my running on track.

Special Interest – Total Years Involved

  • Photography (4)

I have my own photography business, C. Kenzie C. Photography. I work as a freelance photographer and volunteer my time to photograph student events as necessary. I run a Facebook Page, Instagram, and Website portfolio with the goal of using photography as a medium to spread mindfulness.

  • Filmmaking (4)

I have always been interested in documentary film making and finally got the chance to get my feet wet in the industry after taking the Documentary Storymaking class with Professor Andy Smith. Alongside my group members Luke Madronel and Laura Pezzulich, I created a documentary on the opioid crisis in the Lehigh Valley entitled “A World of Gray” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6wXEZ7GOaw&t=2s)

  • Creative Writing (4)

I have written free verse poetry for as long as I can remember as a way to channel my feelings about myself and the world around me. I have performed at many open mic nights and poetry readings throughout my years here at Lafayette and am honored to have received the H. Macknight Black Award for my work.

  • Yoga as a Spiritual Practice (2)

As a self-care way to bring clarity and peace into my busy week, I attend Spiritual Yoga every Thursday.

  • Mindfulness Meditation (1)

I am a huge advocate for utilizing meditation to alleviate mental stress and frequently use the Headspace application. I also created and presented a “Mindfulness and Social Justice” workshop at the RISE UP Student Conference at Cedar Crest College in September 2017

  • Semester Abroad in Paris (1)

In Spring 2017 I studied abroad with the JYF Sweet Briar College Program in Paris, France. The program was a full-immersion French program, complete with a host-stay and taking courses at the Sorbonne alongside Parisiens. I studied Cinema at Paris III and film photography at Studio Vermes. I presented a photography vemissage of my project “Les Gens de Malchance” which provided an in-depth look at the daily life of the homeless population of Paris, During my semester abroad, I had the good fortune to travel to over 25 cities and meet incredible people all over the world.

  • January Interim Study Abroad Trip (1)

In January 2016, I was a participant of the London/Dublin Theater Interim trip. I used to be a huge thespian and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see UK shows.

  • Our Beloved Community Annual Symposium Presenter (1)

Our Beloved Community is an annual social justice symposium that brings in prospective students to join the Lafayette community in a celebration to discuss a variety of social justice topics. I have presented a discussion on modern day slavery entitled “Giving Flight to Freedom” every November since I have been at Lafayette.