Khalil Kennedy Break Dances, Studies Economics, Inspires Many

Read Khalil’s first-person account of starting at UMKC.

KHALIL KENNEDY

Economics major | College of Arts and Sciences | 2016 | UMKC Break Dancing Club founder | UMKC Mock Trial | Residential Life

Where is UMKC taking you?

Hopefully I’m headed toward a nice job with a nice office. I like to travel and hope to go to a lot of countries.

Why did you choose UMKC?

This university offers opportunities to do urban planning through economics. I thought it’d be cool to take advantage of that. Historically, in neighborhoods that have riots, property values drop and people move out. I’d like to address the economic models and the advantages of buying those properties for less and building back businesses in those neighborhoods. I’d like to introduce models that are different from the standard.

UMKC is also the furthest I could get from St. Louis while still getting in-state tuition. UMKC is super chill and so is Kansas City.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

I learned not to stretch myself too thin and to take some time for myself.

Who do you admire most at UMKC and why?

I admire my bosses at the bookstore and Res Life the most. They are all really awesome and understanding.

What are your lifelong goals?

I want to inspire people. That’s the reason I dance and teach dancing workshops. There’s not much better than inspiring other people to do well for themselves. That’s how you affect change. Do well for yourself and you can do well for your family.

What motto do you live by?

Live to express, not to impress. Don’t worry about what other people say.

What’s your greatest fear?

Having a negative impact on the world.

What excites you?

Little things excite me, like apple juice. Other people being happy excites me, too.

What is one word that best describes you and why?

Balanced. I try to push myself to be understanding and well-rounded.