Kymaia Class of 2025
Where are you from?
I am from Noblesville, Indiana. It is just north of Indianapolis, located in Hamilton County.
How did you first hear about the Academy?
I first heard about the Indiana Academy from my older sister, Kylani, who attended in 2021. She had received a flyer for the Academy in the mail, which was the ultimate reason that she had applied.
What made you decide to apply?
I decided to apply to the Academy for a plethora of reasons. My sister, who is my greatest inspiration, strongly encouraged me to apply. After she told me about the many academic and extracurricular opportunities at the Academy, I became very intrigued. I wanted to get an early collegiate experience by challenging myself with a more difficult schedule. My old high school did not offer math beyond calculus, and had a large number of students in every class except for the difficult ones, which were nearly empty every year; I wanted to attend a school with lots of highly driven and like-minded individuals, who would push me to learn my hardest.
What is your greatest memory about your time at the Academy?
My greatest memory from my time at the Academy was winning my second sectional championship with the Lady Owls soccer team this year. After losing to that team during the regular season, we returned to beat them in the championship match. The game was challenging and the energy from both sides, fans and players, was electric. We were tied, and had to go into overtime, but I scored a goal and the tides turned. When my teammate, Emmalyn, scored one more goal, I knew we had clinched the win. Celebrating our victory together as not just a team, but a family, is a memory that I will cherish forever.
What are some of your extracurricular activities?
I have played soccer for eleven years, including high school soccer for three years. I was a captain of my team this year, which was a major accomplishment for me. I have run track and field for two years, as well as managed basketball for two years. I have been in Key Club for all of high school, and I am the president of the organization this year. I have also been a part of Black Student Union throughout high school, which I am currently the co-president. My other involvements include Student Equity Council, Student Ambassadors, Peer Assistants, Global Scholars, and National Honor Society.
How has the Academy prepared you for life?
As someone who knew that I wanted to attend college, the Academy has helped me navigate the college course schedule. Beyond this, the Academy teaches responsibility by allowing students to live independently of their family. I had nobody to tell me to get things done, whether that was homework, laundry, cleaning my room, or anything else. Learning to make time for all of your obligations is a major part of life and adulthood that I wish was taught more heavily before teenagers leave home.
What are your plans after graduation?
Although I am undecided as to which school I will be attending, I know that I will be studying biomedical engineering. I aim to get my doctorate and do research in the field of prosthetics, making bionic limbs for athletes. In the distant future, I hope to become a college professor, teaching others about prostheses.