Maize & Blue Scholar Lyons affirmed her passion for helping others while at UM-Flint

A chance encounter in high school helped Kennedy Lyons, an elementary education major, Winter 2025 Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar and Spring 2025 Commencement speaker from Grand Blanc, discover her passion for helping others.

"One of my classmates, who was cognitively impaired, needed extra support and tutoring, so I started working with students who had special needs when I was 16, and that set me on my current path," Lyons said. "I began offering respite care to families who had children with special needs, and I became a special education substitute teacher when I enrolled in the education program at UM-Flint. Not long after that, I earned my certified nursing assistant license, as I wanted to learn how to better care for my students and clients."

"Many people do not know that Kennedy has worked as a CNA throughout her years at UM-Flint. When she was in my classes, I often asked her to consider her work-life balance, especially as she neared the end of her elementary education program," said Suzanne Knezek, professor of education. "However, Kennedy refused to leave her caregiving duties at nursing homes or respite duties for families with children with special needs. When I would say, 'I think some time off might be a good thing,' she would reply, 'I love my job, and I love all my patients. I'll make it work.' And she has. Kennedy's heart always leads her forward."

Lyons said that her experiences in special education and health care have helped her learn different communication styles and given her the ability to connect with diverse demographics.

 "We all have different abilities, which makes us special. We need to remember that we are not all living the same experience. Equity and communication look different for each individual," she said. 

A highlight of Lyons' time at UM-Flint was traveling to the Netherlands in 2023 for a STEM-education-focused study abroad experience. 

"I learned so much about education and different approaches from all over the world. The educational system in the United States differs significantly from that in other countries, but there were many similarities, which was surprising," Lyons said. "Hearing all the various perspectives was an incredible reminder that, for each of us, it's our first time living. We all have opinions and ideas, and we have the choice and opportunity to learn from one another.  The study abroad trip gave me insight regarding what we do well and what we can work on."

"Watching Kennedy engage with global STEM education practices at Utrecht University was incredible — she embraced new pedagogical approaches with curiosity and humility. That trip truly expanded her lens as a culturally responsive educator," said Jeramy Donovan, assistant professor of education. "Beyond academics, Kennedy has a heart for equity and a soul for service. She will be the kind of teacher every child deserves — compassionate, prepared, and relentlessly student-centered."

Tracy Foster, field experience coordinator for the education department, shares Donovan's perspective on Lyons' time in the Netherlands.

"Kennedy collaborated with educators from around the world, graciously working to learn about their cultures, educational systems and strategies, and to better herself as a global citizen and educator," Foster said. "Kennedy knows these experiences will provide a trickle-down effect in our community and the children she serves in the classroom."

While Lyons entered her studies at UM-Flint with some professional experience and a clear understanding of the path she wanted to take, her time at the university has helped her develop a deeper self-awareness. 

"I've reached a new level of growth and better understand how I can align myself, where I'm meant to go, and who I'm meant to be. UM-Flint gave me the tools to realize that it's not about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself," said Lyons. "The program challenged me and equipped me for that growth. Being named a Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar affirmed that I am committed to learning every day and that I am also committed to treating everyone with love and respect. Life is not one-size-fits-all, and it's important to listen to and advocate for those around you, yourself included."

As for her future, Lyons plans to build on her CNA experience and will enroll in UM-Flint's Accelerated Second Degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. She hopes to work in special education during the week and then as a nurse on the weekends, preferably in psychiatric care.

"I'd encourage current and future students to just keep going, to know that nothing worthwhile will ever come easy, and to try to be their most authentic selves," Lyons said. "You are the only you, so don't dim your light for anyone. I wish that, when I started at UM-Flint, I'd understood that there wasn't any rush, that I was always right where I was meant to be. In all of the different work I do, there is one common thread: At the end of the day, it's all about loving people and caring for them."

Lyons will speak at the College of Arts, Sciences & Education commencement ceremony, 11 a.m., May 3. For more information on studying education at UM-Flint, visit the department's webpage.