Q & A with Shannon Barry, who wants to help Kansas City youth

Get to know our students, and you’ll know what UMKC is all about.

Shannon Barry, ’18
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice and Criminology
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Why did you choose UMKC?
It’s close to home. My family and friends are a big support system. I love the campus. The old buildings give it a unique look and it’s in a great area of Kansas City.

I love all of the activities and volunteer opportunities here. I’ve been introduced to soup kitchens and Operation Breakthrough among others.

What got you into your field of study?

I have experience with drug and alcohol addictions. Kids and adolescents from broken homes and gang violence are problems here in Kansas City. My program at UMKC has inspired me to get more involved with people from the community and make a positive impact on their life.

I want to work in social services and offer kids resources for success.

What excites you?

Being around positive people, exercising and creating art.

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

Focus on the main idea, not so much the little things.

What motto do you live by?

“Sometimes things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

What’s one word that best describes you?

Strong. I remain strong and positive in the darkest of times. It keeps me going.

From across the country and around the world, our students come together in Kansas City to study business, medicine, theatre and more than 100 other academic areas. Roos become leaders in their fields and give back to their communities.

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