Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea ( Drea ) Kelly
Hi Andrea ( Drea ), thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Age can bring some interesting challenges and obstacles you would never imagine facing. The biggest question we all ask when there’s a traumatic situation is, “Why me?” There is no sense of direction nor instruction on how to overcome these phases, we just go through life and handle situations in the most pleasant way. Not every obstacle I’ve encountered has had the same fairytale ending.
I can imagine my seventeenth birthday as if it was a film being replayed a thousand times. Seventeen was my golden year, I expected to truly seek happiness and continue reaching for the stars. Unfortunately, it was the complete opposite, it shaped me into becoming a well-mannered woman and that life won’t always go down one street. Shortly after celebrating another year in age, my father passed, and he was my everything. This completely broke me down and I became unfamiliar with many familiar things.
Days turned into nights, and nights turned into days. I lost the sense of direction and passion for all my life goals. This damaged me in an unpleasant manner due to my father always being a shoulder to cry on, safe escape, and a mentor. He encourages me so much to make both my mother and him proud and to never settle for the “okay” in life. Both of my parents taught me that anything is possible, but I didn’t believe it could still be achievable without them both.
My father, Andrew Kelly, left a huge impact on my life and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done. Although Andrew leaving was like a cold rainy day at the fair, it only motivated me to thrive even more for the life I envisioned for myself. Continuing dancing, being involved in church, being encouraged by my big sister, being a part of community service organizations, and being within the top 10% of my junior year of high school was an intense challenge. As I entered senior year on January 31st, 2024, my grandmother, Mommia, passed and this broke our entire family which gave me no choice but to be committed to my future.
This immensely encouraged me to gain discipline and work even harder even when I have no drive left. There were long nights I argued, disagreed, and disappointed my mother within my healing journey. At first, I was in complete denial of the drastic turn our relationship took after my dad’s passing. There were many times she’d be overwhelmed, but my mom never let it overtake her as it did me. I struggled to heal until I learned that only I am able to change my environment and appearance.
Quickly after my grandmother’s and father’s funeral and celebration, I began to continue the future I had always dreamed of and discussed with them. I served as my schools Senior Student Council President, The Purple Flash Drill Team Captain, 2022-2023 Xino’s Southwest Regional President, and a Concord Student Leadership Mentor. These positions formed me into a strong rooted woman of God, and I have created a positive lifestyle while encouraging the younger generations to do the same. My biggest accomplishments came from a broken soul, but it has formed me to always remain thriving for higher heights no matter the circumstance.
Of course, life is not always peaches and cream but as we continue to go on in life, we’ll learn that everything we go through has transformed our worlds for the better. In remaining persistent and putting on the full armor of God. I was able to follow Jesus’s divine plan for my life, and enter Texas Christian University, on over 700k in scholarships.
My most achievable scholarships were the TCU Community Scholar full ride, and the Bill Gates full ride. By being dedicated even during trials and tribulations, God was able to show his love, grace, and mercy upon my life. As it being solely up to me to hear Jesus and follow what he wanted me to do in my journey, has truly been the firm foundation to my college career today. However, this is only the beginning and knowing I can do all things through Christ strengthens me, is the commitment to my faith that God won’t fail.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe if life was a cake walk, there would be no reason to execute every single day. Life is supposed to throw various challenges at you to test your ability to be resilient. During the loss of my father and grandmother, I wasn’t motivated to be persistent, and I felt as if quitting was my best option. I didn’t understand why I was continuing to push through, if the people I loved could not be present to see the good things. Jesus had taken away two of the most loving people in my life, yet Jesus was also doing this to bring them to a better place.
This kind of pain is truly not something I was prepared for, yet I now see it as a blessing in disguise to be strong and courageous, knowing that God will never leave nor forsake me. Even after losing various relationships that meant a ton to me, God never gave up on me, even after I have given up on God multiple times. This only grew my faith in Jesus due to me seeing that Jesus is so merciful no matter the circumstance. Moreover, each day presents new obstacles whether big or small, and since I have been at Texas Christian University; there has been many small tribulations that are creating a huge positive impact for my future.
Even in my college transition, I am an African American female at a Predominately White Institution. So, that gives me the opportunity to understand the real world. In being in these spaces where I am the minority, I am always practicing showing up as my true self and not being easily tempted to fit in. There can be some people that don’t agree, but if God be for me, WHO can be against me?
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As of now I am a full-time student at Texas Chirstian University, with a double major in Accounting and Business Information Systems. There are various courses that I am taking to ensure my degree is solidified over the next four years. Understanding that knowledge is power has been my strongest motivation thus far. Each day I am motivated to not remain comfortable in my current position, yet encouraging myself to be in uncomfortable spaces. Allowing myself to do these things has enabled me to make meaningful efforts each day.
Within Texas Christian University I am still establishing myself, which is allowing me to follow the divine path God has for my life. Recently, I was voted to take position as Treasurer for the Black Student Association, First Year Action Team on TCU’s campus. In doing this I was excited to be involved on campus while making an impact for future generations to come. However, I have been so used to always being at the forefront and the face of organizations, so this is truly a unique opportunity to endure.
I took this role on due to me wanting to put in the work behind the scenes, to see an organization grow while gaining those needed financial skills as I dive deeper into my desired career. Being entrusted as the First Year Action Team Treasurer has been a tremendous process to go through and being able to learn so much about proper budgeting and the development of funds has truly been a heartwarming experience.
Recently as of November 5th, 2024, The Aspiring Leaders Program at Texas Christian University had their last meeting for our cohort. However, this was such an awesome opportunity to be in a 7-week program with a selected cohort to deeply understand our individuality in leadership. Being a part of The Aspiring Leaders Program is essential to developing my leadership growth and understanding that trivial things make an enormous contribution to me and others is such an eye-opening sight. Moreover, being self-aware while knowing that you must be a great supporter to be a good leader shows me to hold myself accountable no matter the circumstances.
When thinking of Andrea Kelly, you must know I am dedicated and determined to succeed, and at no cost will I allow someone to block my focus. Life is a mental concept, and with me having the “All Gas! No Brakes!” mindset, it truly keeps me humbled. Knowing that I am only building the foundation for my ability to give back to my community keeps me grounded. Each moment of success is also another opportunity to continue enhancing my everyday persistence and commitment for my goals. Being proactive every day and understanding that it is God’s strength that gives me the momentum to overcome obstacles and procrastination is the only way I have made it this far. This is on the beginning of what Jesus wants to do in my life and at no expense can I give up.
How do you define success?
To me, success is about achieving the unimaginable, pushing boundaries, and realizing goals that once seemed out of reach, while staying grounded and humble. It’s not just about reaching the pinnacle of one’s dreams but doing so in a way that remains true to who you are and what matters most. Success isn’t just about personal triumph; it’s about the quiet strength that comes from perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact, all while remaining gracious and mindful of those around you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreakelly___/profilecard/?igsh=MWI2dDA5OTJndTgybQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073267464708&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Personal Photo: MomentsbyMarcus
