Shaped by the resilient spirit of her Gullah Geechee heritage in Harris Neck, Georgia, Kay’La Brennon’s path at Georgia Southern University has been one of self-discovery. Although she initially applied as a nursing major, her first semester as an undeclared major revealed her true calling: public health.
Reflecting on this shift, Brennon shared, “What pivoted me was realizing that I wanted to become a physician. After becoming involved in research, I realized I wanted to become a physician-scientist, leading me to find the major that would allow me to fulfill these passions and interests. Public health is an interdisciplinary field that allows me to fuse all my identities and interests in uplifting communities.”
Taking dual enrollment courses in high school enabled Brennon to start her college career early and quickly dive into research, the invaluable hands-on learning experience Georgia Southern provides undergraduates and graduate students.
“Joining research projects my freshman year and attending and presenting at conferences ignited my passion for it,” she recalled. “I wanted a career where I could impact patients directly through patient care and breakthroughs, and developments in research.”
In her years at Georgia Southern, Brennon was an Honors College student, Goel Scholar and chaired the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee, which provides a forum for students to address their concerns in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health.
Now that she is graduating this May with a bachelor’s degree Brennon admits her years of study have been filled with challenges, victories and failures. But the confidence she gained is what surprised her most.
“I’m from a very rural county and have been pretty shy and reserved my whole life,” the public health scholar explained. “Being in college, I’ve broken out of my shell and gotten to know so many amazing people and shown my leadership skills in many positions. From starting an organization on campus, Resourceful Ambassadors of Medicine (RAM), to joining my illustrious and impactful sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), I’ve spread my wings and seen my own capabilities.”
During her time on the Statesboro Campus, Brennon actively engaged in opportunities that fostered her commitment to service, including leading volunteer trips with Serve912, and participating in the Southern Leaders program. Those experiences resonated deeply with her involvement in AKA, a sorority with service at its foundation.
“Part of its purpose is service to all mankind,” Brennon stated. “One big principle in my life is community, and that is where my heart is… and so being a part of this sisterhood, I could impact the community.”
Brennon’s journey at Georgia Southern was deeply influenced by her upbringing. Born in Angleton, Texas, and raised with both an older sister and an older brother, she experienced both joy and sorrow. Her brother passed away at age 19. Her family returned to Harris Neck near Savannah, Georgia, to help care for her grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease. Still, the new graduate remembers her early life warmly.
“My childhood was always filled with family, love and joy no matter the circumstances, she said. “My family has always supported each other, with prayer being in the midst of it all.”
These strong family bonds instilled in her a remarkable resilience, a quality she identifies as a significant achievement during her college years.
“Even when things get tough, and they surely do, I find a way to get things done,” she affirmed, adding that she credits her mother’s strength and caring for her drive and motivation. “She’s the kindest, strongest and most loving person I know, so I am honored to be her daughter and make her proud. I thank her and my Oma for their support and desire to see me succeed.”
As she looks back, Brennon recognizes her time at Georgia Southern has been transformative, extending far beyond academics. She acknowledged, “My perception of myself has changed. I’ve learned more about my capabilities and what I used to perceive as possible. I have no doctors in my family, which played into the reason I applied to Georgia Southern as a nursing major. I did not see being a physician, let alone a physician-scientist, as a possibility.”
Brennon is ready to embark on a future she once didn’t imagine. She will work as a Doctoral Diversity Program Scholar at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore and is eager to impact a new community through her research and volunteer efforts.
