Kynnedy Cannon currently attends Howard University in Washington, D.C. and is a graduate of El Cerrito High School. She will begin her third year at Howard in the fall of 2024, and she joined the Richmond Promise Summer Associate program in the summer of 2024.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Is there anything in particular that motivates you as you go through college and prepare yourself for a career?

A: I’m a rising third-year psychology major with a biology minor at Howard University. As a devoted mental health advocate, my goal is to lessen the stigma associated with mental health by doing research and engaging the community. My three main sources of motivation as I matriculate through university are my family, the network of support I’ve built at Howard, and my love of studying human behavior.

My family has always been my pillar of support, encouraging me to pursue my dreams by moving to the East Coast and attending Howard. Their endless, unwavering support has been one of my strongest pillars of encouragement. I’ve developed a strong network of support at Howard where they continually challenge and encourage me to grow. My interest in psychology motivates me to get into research and seek opportunities to make a positive impact.

These motivators not only keep me focused and determined but also fuel my ambition to pursue a career in psychology. I aspire to contribute to the betterment of mental health resources and research, and my goal is to help create a more inclusive, compassionate, and understanding society.

Q: How has Richmond Promise played a role in your education?

A: Richmond Promise has not only been a financial blessing for my education by reducing the weight of the amount of tuition I have to pay but they have also provided resources and support that I can take advantage of while in school. Richmond Promise wants me to succeed in college and can offer guidance, advice, and resources if needed. RP has tons of resources, whether that’s being able to sign up for a mentor, sending out newsletters monthly with encouraging words and essential information, announcing internships, hosting workshops, and other beneficial things that RP scholars like myself can take advantage of.

Q: Why did you choose to be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate and what are you hoping to take from the experience?

A: I chose to become a Richmond Promise Summer Associate to return to my community and assist in building up a college-going culture. As a college student and mental health advocate, I understand the importance of providing support and guidance during the transition from high school to college. The thought of being a part of a team that genuinely wants to see people in my community go to college and succeed while doing so made me eager to be a Summer Associate. I also enjoy being a peer coach to those who’d like to do what I’m currently doing, as I can help support someone achieve their goals the way others have helped me do the same. I hope to walk away from this experience providing students who are interested in going to HBCUs advice and expertise that can help them determine their paths, eager to grow my professionalism and leadership, and applying all that I learn to all facets of my life to form a better version of me.

Q: What do you want to contribute to Richmond and/or the world?

A: On a broader scale, I aspire to contribute to a better understanding of mental health through research and, possibly, clinical practice. As a mental health advocate, I want to provide personalized care to individuals and help them navigate their mental health challenges by improving their well-being. Through these endeavors, I hope to create a more inclusive and supportive environment and society for individuals struggling with mental health issues locally and globally.

Q: How has your current college experience gone and what has been the best part?

A: I was fortunate that my transition from high school to college went smoothly. I formed a support system that I still heavily rely on today. I have familial support, peers, and professors on campus who genuinely care and look out for me. So far, the best part of my college experience has been participating in Howard University’s Alternative Spring Break experience in New Orleans, Louisiana. The best part of the service trip was forming new bonds and friendships with people I would’ve never met, participating in community service, and seeing a beautiful community operate outside of me. The entirety of the experience opened my eyes and let me know that there is so much you can do for your community and others just by being present and offering your assistance, even if that’s being a listening ear. The main thing I learned during my sophomore year is no matter how big or small the contribution is, it matters and will have an impact in some way.

Q: What are you looking forward to doing after finishing school?

A: After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I plan to permanently move to the East Coast and settle in the DMV. I haven’t yet nailed down exactly what I want to do after obtaining my bachelor’s, but I have a few paths I’m interested in going down. I’m intrigued by doing research for a large part of my career, getting my PhD to become a neuropsychologist, or going to MED school to be a practicing psychiatrist. Although my path has not narrowed down yet, my passion resides within psychology and is deeply rooted in me. I’m confident I will succeed wherever my heart leads me.