STUDENT-ATHLETE IMPACT MONTH FEATURE: Kesi Neblett '17SEAS
2/9/2016 10:00:00 AM | General, Volleyball
Welcome to Student-Athlete Impact Month! Throughout the month of February, you will be hearing from some of our student-athletes as they tell their stories of their time here at Columbia. Look for three more student-athlete stories during the remainder of the month.
Dear Columbia fans,
When I was looking at colleges, I had two things in mind: I wanted to study in the field of STEM, and I knew I needed a place where I would have people in my corner, invested in my future. Thanks to Columbia Engineering and Columbia Athletics, I have been able to make this a reality.
My first year was a challenging transition from Kentucky to the demands of Division I athletics, the rigorous SEAS curriculum, and New York City. I powered through the fall volleyball season, earning a starting spot. After the season I started thinking in the long term, about my career path and summer opportunities. I met with Jessica De Palo, Associate Athletics Director of Enrichment Services, who worked tirelessly with me to polish my resume, help me find job opportunities, and prepare me for interviews. I landed a job with the Brooklyn School, which was a rewarding and valuable experience.
Early in my sophomore year, my work with Jessica and the Enrichment Services team provided me with amazing alumni connections to leverage. By March, I was on my way to an engineering conference to network. Jessica coached me on how to overcome my nerves and to approach the conference as chance to learn more about myself. By the end of March, I had accepted an offer for a summer internship at Boeing.
At Columbia, I have found a support system: from Jessica's career advice, and the emotional and academic support from Jackie Blackett (Senior Associate, Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation/Senior Woman Administrator), to my study group with other SEAS student-athletes, I have what it takes to succeed. Your gifts to The Fund for Excellence, which support Career and Enrichment Services, make it possible for me not only to thrive on the court, but also to build a future for myself. Thank you!
Roar, Lion, Roar!
Kesi Neblett '17SEAS, Volleyball
