Educating the next generation: Kendall Wilson looks to return home to give back to her community
By Bryson Foster ‘23
Photos by Amy Hart
As Kendall Wilson approaches graduation, she wants to give back to her home community of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, by educating the next generation of students.
“I always say don’t forget where you come from. Fuquay-Varina made me the person I am. I want to return and make it even better,” said Wilson.
Wilson, who is graduating in May with a B.A. in elementary education with a minor in child and family development, has dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was in elementary school. She lost her father in fifth grade, and the support she received from the faculty made her goal clear.
“The generosity toward my family just blew me away. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, and it forever impacted me. I want to be that kind of positive role model for students,” said Wilson.
The Journey to Charlotte
After losing her father, Wilson said, her mom, Ally, encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
“My mom is the strongest lady I have ever known. She’s been through so much, raising my siblings and me with grace, strength and perseverance. That’s motivated me to keep going forward,” Wilson said.
A 2021 Holly Springs High School graduate, Wilson knew UNC Charlotte was the right fit. She was following in the footsteps of her older brother, Carter, who graduated from Charlotte in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
“It all started during my sophomore year of high school when we toured UNC Charlotte for my older brother. I loved the atmosphere and the community the second I stepped onto campus. From that point on, I decided, ‘I think it’s Charlotte or nothing,’” said Wilson.
Gaining Valuable Skills
From her first day at Charlotte in 2021, Wilson has gained invaluable skills she believes she could not have found elsewhere.
“Something I love about the education program is that you get classroom experiences from your first year. Teaching is not just something you can ‘go into.’ You have to have a passion for it,” she said.
The Cato College of Education has provided helpful mentors and nurturing relationships. She credits the entire education department for supporting and pushing her to be the best version of herself – and for opening her eyes to what lies ahead.
“The support I have received from my professors has been beautiful. Bruce Taylor and Amy Good, in particular, have strongly influenced me,” said Wilson.” The classroom experiences and professor support give you insight into what you’re getting yourself into. UNC Charlotte prepares you with all the experience available in the classroom.”
Empowering Future Educators
In September 2024, Wilson started working with the EduAmbassador program, which allowed her to develop additional skills and confidence. In the role, she spoke on student panels and worked tabling events to encourage fellow Niners to explore the education program and the teaching profession.
“What drew me to the job in the first place was the opportunity to promote UNC Charlotte and attract more people to the University,” said Wilson. “I’m able to emphasize the importance of being an educator. EduAmbassadors has been an excellent learning experience.”
UNC Charlotte has taught Wilson what it means to be a 49er. Her favorite memories have come from being part of Niner Nation, cheering at sporting events, and continuing to grow.
“Being a 49er means being your best self and being authentically you. It means you don’t change, no matter what people tell you,” said Wilson.
Next Steps
After graduation, Wilson will return to her hometown in Wake County to teach elementary school.
“I am currently looking for a job in Wake County, and my absolute dream is to teach at my former elementary school. Over the most recent winter break, I had the opportunity to shadow my kindergarten and first-grade teachers in the classrooms where I was a student. It was a full-circle moment; teaching there would mean everything to me,” said Wilson.
Wilson wants to leave a legacy once her time at UNC Charlotte ends.
“I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet that I’m graduating. Being a friendly face and very passionate about my school and my profession is the legacy I want to leave behind,”she said. “Now that I’m moving on, I know that I’m a part of something much bigger.”
Bryson Foster ‘23 will complete a Master of Arts in Communication Studies in May 2025; he is an intern for the Office of University Communications.