Success Story
![Woman standing in front of the Taj Mahal](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/Taj-Mahalcropped.jpg?VersionId=HLhRKGWFUHeGDJozILXz0j4S_3wQQFkr&h=e6f36a9c&itok=2rbKgGfE)
Mariah Gray left her comfort zone, lived in the present and ventured where she never dreamed of going. Learn how this biology/pre-medicine major discovered new perspective 8000 miles from home.
![Carrie Esser used water-based body paint to turn herself into a “queen bee.” Her artistry landed her in the second round of the NYX Cosmetics 2018 Face Awards USA.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/Makeup6QueenOfHeartsNEW.jpg?VersionId=x92xxMNwyH9VmUcPzCkvqmWEq4EUt3Nv&h=e6f36a9c&itok=2tnj9jxo)
This entrepreneur major utilizes paint brushes, vibrant colors and an unrestrained imagination to transform the human body into astounding works of art.
![After two Category 5 hurricanes hit her home, Debra Thomas graduates with the help of the Kent State University College of Nursing Student Emergency Fund.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/Nurse-May2018.jpg?VersionId=d0VDLAfCwMgRmlwbVI9Nk85KBwxQK6NU&h=403207e6&itok=itpP9Q30)
Debra Thomas wanted to be a nurse to help people, but she was the one who ended up in need after two hurricanes hit her home in the Caribbean.
![Senior Ian Holt helped the Kent State men’s golf team secure a return trip to the National Championship with the team’s fifth-place finish at the Kissimmee Regional.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/mensgolf.jpg?VersionId=f9mGvRZJBQc_WCPjx6pliRO8upBiNbjj&h=e6f36a9c&itok=3Teh6eWH)
...
![Active Minds honors Kent State University with a 2018 Healthy Campus Award for fostering a culture of health and wellness for students and the entire Kent State community.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/jogging.jpg?VersionId=6_ybik0R5Unzrr8acadVbtj6uR9WZLfO&h=e6f36a9c&itok=SBYJpHIk)
Kent State University’s strategic focus on the health and well-being of students is receiving national recognition. Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students, announced Kent State as a winner of the prestigious 2018 Healthy Campus Award.