In addition to our many alumni success stories, we also like to hear from the parents of our international graduates. Read on to hear one of their stories.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Charlotte Knowles-Thompson and I am a Flashes mom for life! My daughter Blaire left The Bahamas to join Kent State University and is now a proud alumni!
How did you hear about Kent State University?
Blaire worked in Res Life for her undergraduate studies so when she completed two degrees in Culinary Arts she knew that Res Life was what she truly wanted to do. I thought it strange that she wanted to change her career path after becoming a certified Chef but she explained how much she loved Res Life and wanted to work in an area called Student Affairs.
That area of study is not offered at most universities, so after a thorough research of universities in the United States, Kent State University was a top option.
Blaire was able to interview virtually with an admissions director and after the session, she was pretty much sold and did not want to go to any other school.
What did you expect from an American university?
I honestly didn't know what to expect! My main concern was that Ohio was so far from The Bahamas, but Blaire was so excited to find a university that offered the degree. She was adamant too that the university offered a sense of place, diversity and inclusion and she got exactly that.
How did you know your daughter made the right decision to come to Kent State?
Blaire would write and send photos often about a new experience, new friendships, or the exposure she received from the class trips. She was always so excited and felt like she belonged, so it gave me a sense of relief that I could let go and just allow her to flourish at this amazing school.
What were some of the best things about Blaire being a student here?
Safety was paramount. The Bahamas is very far away and I wanted her to be in a secure environment while just being able to focus on her schoolwork and not her surroundings. When I came to visit, my flight was delayed so I arrived on campus about 1:00am and got lost because the campus is huge. In two minutes, the police were pulling me over. That made me feel so good knowing my girl was definitely in a secure environment with eyes everywhere.
Blaire was also given a Graduate Assistantship position that covered her entire tuition. That really empowered her and prepared her for the real world after graduation. Blaire graduated May 2021 with a Master's Degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration. With the training and exposure she received from Kent State University, she received a full time position at another university before she graduated. It was a bittersweet moment for me because I thought I would be bringing her back to The Bahamas with me but instead, she moved to a management position in another state with a staff of eighteen people.
I am so very proud of her and grateful to Kent State University for safety, exposure, a solid foundation and most importantly, preparing her to be the best version of herself.
