Landon Berry Hopes to be a Teacher and Coach

At UMKC, the students are our story. Introducing a new digital storytelling project. Look, listen and learn about us through interviews, photographs and videos of our students. Read the other student stories and go to umkcgoingplaces.tumblr.com and follow.

LANDON BERRY

Secondary Education and History majors | College of Arts and Sciences | Trustees’ Scholar | 2015

Where is UMKC taking you?

I want to see future leaders of Kansas City grow into who they are supposed to be. I have a passion for education and basketball and my church. I want to help young men and women grow into future leaders. I’m passionate about the city now, and the future starts with educating our youth.

Why did you choose UMKC?

I couldn’t turn down the Trustees’ scholarship, and I’m still close to my parents. I’m from Lee’s Summit. In high school I didn’t think about it much, but now I love being in the urban heart of Kansas City.

What are your lifelong goals?

I want to be a college basketball coach. Here at UMKC I’ve had the opportunity to work with the basketball team for the last two years as a student manager. I’m coaching at the junior high level now and next I hope to teach and coach at the high school level.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a professor?

You will get out of life what you put into it. A lack of effort leads to a lack of results.

What do you admire most at UMKC?

The way UMKC has cemented itself in Kansas City and fully embraced being a part of this great and growing city as much as possible.

What motto do you live by?

Find something you’re good at and do it better than everyone else. Stick with it and go after it.

What is one word that best describes you and why?

Joyful. I think I am always smiling and making others smile. Life is too short to let your circumstances affect your smile.