KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 5, 2026

Keslie Hightower is a Kennesaw State cheerleader and brand ambassador. She shares her first-year experience at KSU. 

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kelsie Hightower, and I am a freshman here at Kennesaw State, majoring in Elementary Education. I have always had a passion for working with children to help make positive impacts in their lives, which has inspired my goals of becoming a kindergarten teacher. On campus, I am a member of the KSU cheerleading team, which has helped me connect with others and build school spirit. I am also a part of the KSU Brand Ambassadors, which has helped me become more involved in campus life.

Why did you decide to study at KSU?
I chose to attend Kennesaw State University because of its strong reputation for its education program. I had also attended an open house on campus and instantly fell in love with the welcoming atmosphere of KSU and its campus. Beyond academics, being close to home, my church, and my friends made the transition to college less overwhelming, which made it more exciting. I loved that I could stay close to my biggest supporters while trying to gain my independence. Another reason why I chose KSU was the opportunity to be on the cheerleading team at the collegiate level, which has allowed me to stay involved in school spirit while pursuing my degree at the same time. 

What are some of your favorite memories from your first semester? 
Some of my favorite memories from my first semester include cheering at the football games and being able to create new friendships along the way. Being able to cheer on the sidelines for the football team during such an exciting season was truly unforgettable. Watching our football team win so many games, become bowl eligible in their first season of eligibility, and remain undefeated at home made every game day feel so special. Another highlight was becoming a brand ambassador, which has allowed me to make even more friends and take part in special events while proudly representing KSU.

How did your first semester of college compare to your expectations?
My first semester of college was even better than I expected. The transition for me was smooth, and I was surprised by how easily I settled into my new routine. Being a part of campus involvement and meeting people who supported me helped KSU feel like home. 
As you adjusted to college this semester, who or what has been your greatest support at KSU?  
As I adjusted to college this semester, my greatest support has been my parents and my teammates. My parents have always encouraged me and reminded me to believe in myself. At the same time, my teammates became a second family to me and were always there to give advice and help me adjust to college life.

Outside of class, what did you do to get involved at KSU in your first semester?
Outside of class, I stayed involved by being an active member of the KSU cheerleading team. Being a part of the cheer team has kept me busy with practices and game days. Being a part of this team has helped me stay connected to school spirit and grow closer to my teammates. 

What do you think about FLIGHT29 activities? 
I think the FLIGHT29 activities are a great way for first-year students to feel welcomed and get connected with other classmates. I especially loved the FLIGHT29 Runout and the Freshman Convocation as they provided fun opportunities for students to get involved and meet new people.

Did your college plan change at all during your first semester? 
My college plan did not change during my first semester. I came into KSU with a goal of majoring in Elementary Education and becoming a kindergarten teacher, and that passion has only become stronger through my first semester.
What was the biggest surprise/challenge you encountered in your first semester, and how did you address it?
The biggest surprise I encountered during my first semester was how much responsibility and independence came with college life. Having to manage my own schedule and balance my own academics took some time to adjust. I addressed this by staying organized and creating a routine for me to follow to help keep me on track. Learning how to manage my time and prioritize what mattered most helped me adjust with confidence 

What are you looking forward to for the next few semesters? 
I'm looking forward to continuing to grow into my role here at KSU and becoming more confident in both my academics and campus involvement. I'm excited to experience new classes within my major and create more memories with my friends over the next few semesters!