Research Circles That Take Scholars to the Next Level

Last semester, Belle, Rylee, and Marena, three KC Scholars at the University of Missouri, Columbia, were part of the KC Scholars Undergraduate Research Circles initiative. This initiative concluded with a project where all three Scholars were able to present research on a designated subject. Marena’s research project focused on The History of Dual Language Education in Kansas City Public Schools, while Belle and Rylee collaborated on ‘Multiplying’ Research Impact: Communicating Math-focused Education Research Via Practitioners.

Marena, currently studying Middle School Social Studies Education with a minor in Hospitality Management, has received her MU-Specific Scholarship through Great Jobs KC. She decided to embark on her research journey, driven by her passion for Kansas City, history, and the importance of Dual Language Education.

Originally, Marena chose this subject because of her degree, but was able to connect this opportunity to other projects that appeared in her life, such as another scholarship application and Mizzou’s honors program. Because she completed these research circles, Marena feels she has set herself up for success, so she can be a standout candidate in her future career and will even help her through her graduate school admissions process. By being part of this initiative, Marena feels that it has positively impacted her educational journey, as she now feels more confident discussing various topics, especially subjects that may arise in her future career. Additionally, it has opened her mind to new possibilities, inspiring her to continue researching this subject in the years to come.

Marena reflects on her experience with the KC Scholars Program and shares how it has helped her see more diverse perspectives in the classroom, allowing her to learn and value everyone’s lived experiences more deeply and recognize these experiences as assets for the individuals. Marena’s end goal, once completing her schooling, would be to return to the incredible district she mentions in her research to serve as an educator. Through her program and experience within the research circle, Marena shares how blessed she feels to have this opportunity, allowing her to continue breaking barriers and furthering her life.

"It means a lot to me because [Great Jobs KC Scholar Advocates] genuinely care about the students they help… If it wasn't for this opportunity I was given, I would have never attended a university" - Marena, KC Scholar

Belle, a current Junior, has discovered her love for physical therapy and is on a path to complete a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. At a young age, her foremost goal was to be an educated woman of color, and she knew college would be in her future. Before attending Mizzou and receiving her scholarship, Belle felt lost about how she would accomplish her goal. However, the KC Scholars Program encouraged Belle to step out of her comfort zone and build meaningful relationships with faculty, as well as join research groups like this one. As a first-generation student, that brought ease to Belle because she realized she wouldn’t be going through this experience alone.

"Whole heartedly, if it was not for Great Jobs KC and the opportunity of KC Scholars, I would honestly be so lost in life. As a result of this Scholarship and being able to attend Mizzou, I have the opportunities that I otherwise would not have been available to me as First-Generation student with a single immigrant mother. All in all, this scholarship is my motivation to keep going and not give up on my goals." - Belle, KC Scholar

Rylee, also a current Junior, is majoring in Health Science Pre-PA, and shares how her dream and career goals end with her being in the medical field and reflects on how many doors this opportunity has opened for her. Through the connections she has made, the skills she has gained, and the positivity and encouragement she has received during her program, this opportunity has become once-in-a-lifetime for her. It is because of initiatives like this research circle that Scholars like Rylee feel prepared for the future, as she has learned many new skills to keep her progressing in her field, such as collaboration, problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication.

Reflecting on their finished project, Belle shares how this experience has been nothing but positive, a crucial learning opportunity for her career, and overall, it has truly empowered her. Rylee originally wanted to participate in this initiative because of her love for kids. She also wants to be an advocate for kids having access to learn differently, and by providing her research to teachers, it will encourage these teaching methods in class to boost specific students’ learning.

"I am so proud of my group and myself for this past year. I feel so blessed for this opportunity. Not only have I learned from the articles I have read but from my whole lab. This was a great project and it was so much fun." - Rylee, KC Scholar

Through the KC Scholars Undergraduate Research Circles, our Scholars were able to gain a great deal from their experience and become more knowledgeable about research. While Marena, Belle, and Rylee are just three incredible examples, it is because of our Scholars’ passion and hard work that they can take their lives to the next level. Thank you, University of Missouri – Columbia, for providing such an impactful experience for our Scholars to have the chance to LEARN MORE so they can EARN MORE in their futures.