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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville was not Kaylynn Woolfolk’s choice her first time around, nor was it her second time around. However, after twice being suspended from SIUE, the Chicago native decided to enroll at the University a third time – because she wanted to demonstrate something to herself and to others. 

Woolfolk will graduate with a master’s from SIUE in college student personnel administration and will be the student speaker at the 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 commencement ceremony in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center.  

“I wanted to get my master’s, and I felt like I had failed here,” explained Woolfolk. “I didn’t think I would be accepted at SIUE (Graduate School). Once I was, then I had a point to prove.” 

Woolfolk’s on-again, off-again relationship with SIUE began in 2011, when her mother, Robin Allen, encouraged the first-generation student to attend the nearby SIUE. 

“I didn’t know anything about college, or what this journey was going to be like,” began Woolfolk, who graduated from Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing with a 3.0 grade point average. “I didn’t feel I was guided to the right resources. I did not know how to make connections. I felt unsupported. 

“I also didn’t have the best studying habits, and family problems at home began distracting me. My grade point average was 1.9, and I was suspended from school.” 

Woolfolk went back to Chicago and enrolled part-time at South Suburban College in South Holland. 

“When I went to the community college, I actually used the resources,” remarked Woolfolk. “An advisor instructed me on how to arrange my class schedule, so as not to take demanding courses all at once. I improved my GPA. Still, I was embarrassed, because I had flunked out of a university.” 

Through her mother’s urging, in 2013 Woolfolk enrolled a second time at SIUE as a student on academic probation. 

“I wanted to finish school, and I didn’t want failure to be my legacy,” she said. 

However, it seemed like deja vu, when Woolfolk found herself in the same academic predicament. At the end of the semester, her grade point average was 1.8. Woolfolk was expelled again. 

“I was at home from July-December 2013. That was probably the worst six months of my life,” recalled Woolfolk. “I was in an extremely bad place. I felt like a failure every day. I had disappointed my mother, my father, my family and myself. I could see my friends away from home, in school, doing well and having fun. I was super ashamed.” 

“I started going to my mother’s church, and my mother introduced me to a woman named Samantha Thomas,” said Woolfolk. “Samantha told me about her trials and tribulations in achieving her college success. She had obtained a lot of accolades at Lincoln University of Missouri (Jefferson City), and she encouraged me to give college another try.” 

Woolfolk enrolled at Lincoln in 2014. 

“It was a different world. Every goal I wanted to accomplish I achieved and surpassed,” continued Woolfolk. “I was on the Dean’s List and graduated with a 3.5 grade point average.” Woolfolk earned her bachelor’s in kinesiology in 2017 from Lincoln University. 

The college graduate then said she felt ready to tackle a master’s degree – at SIUE. While studying at SIUE, Woolfolk worked as a graduate assistant in the SIUE East St. Louis Center Upward Bound Program, under the supervision of Director Keith Ware, EdD. 

“I fell in love with this program. I enjoyed working with students who were just like me – first generation and low income,” she said “It was a great feeling having students depend upon me as a resource, and having them share their successes with me.” 

Woolfolk plans to work in higher education in student support services with Upward Bound programs or work in the area of diversity and inclusion. 

“If I could give my 17-year-old self some advice,” commented Woolfolk, “it would be that all your tests and trials will only make you stronger.” 

Photo:
Kaylynn Woolfolk will graduate with a master’s from SIUE in College Student Personnel Administration and will be the student speaker at the 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 commencement ceremony in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center.