Who is Kelsey Nielsen? What does she do? What makes her special? Why give her a student spotlight? Kelsey was born in a city called Omaha which is in Nebraska. When she was six years old her family moved to the Quad Cities so she grew up in the Davenport Area. She likes to think that she is an Omaha and Quad Cities native.Â
When Kelsey was a young and adventurous girl her family was very family oriented. Her family lived far away and she loved spending time with them and making things for them. This was probably one of the reasons that she loves traveling and going to different places. Kelsey didn’t care what others thought about her. All she wanted to do was make others laugh and be the center of attention. To get some attention she would sing, dance, or act silly.Â
Kelsey in high school had some struggles and difficulties. She was battling with some major mental health problems which made it hard for her to get involved in activities. She didn’t want to be in the public eye. While in high school Kelsey learned that she had a very creative mind. She got into pottery, drawing, photography, baking as well as writing. She also took time to learn languages and about different cultures or countries. She also spent a lot of time volunteering and working. She found an outlet for herself when she was going through her own struggles.
How did Kelsey end up at St. Ambrose University? When applying to colleges, she knew that she wanted to stay close to home but also wanted opportunities to travel and study abroad. She felt like SAU would be a good fit for her because their class sizes are small. She loves being able to have a relationship with her professors and having smaller class sizes would help ensure that that bond would form. Kelsey chose her major because she loves being able to work with children. She is studying Early Childhood Education and also has an endorsement in Special Education. For her being able to see students grow academically and emotionally this is something that brings her so much joy and motivation. She believes that working with children is the most rewarding job and something that she truly enjoys.
What is Kelsey involved in at SAU? She is involved in SAAT and Her Campus. She is a brand new member to Her Campus. Kelsey is currently the Vice President of the Sexual Assault Awareness Team. SAAT has made so many impacts on her throughout her time in college. She has been able to bring awareness to sexual assault and domestic violence while working with organizations around the Quad Cities. She wants to use her voice for those that do not feel like they have a voice. While working with SAAT she has also been able to connect with more people on campus. She strives to make our college community stronger between students and also the clubs but she also wants the community of Davenport to also grow.Â
What do others think of the girl who found her voice? Her brother likes to say that she is bossy because when she knows what she wants she won’t stop until she gets it. Lisa Fortner knows Kelsey as the SAAT advisor. Lisa sees her as a true role model and shows what being an Ambrosian is all about. She has a bubbly personality. She sees the many great qualities that Kelsey has and the passion for raising awareness for others is something that truly stands out. Kelsey has such a drive that helps her accomplish her goals. Kelsey has always been accepting of people from different cultures and backgrounds and wants to help build this community on campus that is inclusive and supportive. Here is a direct quote from Lisa, “St. Ambrose University just wouldn’t be the same without Kelsey’s passionate leadership. I look forward to seeing her mentorship blossom through others in the years to come”. How I see Kelsey I see a woman who is strong willed and determined. She knows what she wants and will do whatever it takes to get there. Kelsey works hard to make sure that everyone has a voice and she isn’t afraid to use her own to help others.Â
