'I have learned to navigate academic spaces on my own terms'

Kendahl Wesley: Psychology & Africana Studies

5/15/2025

Kendahl Wesley

Psychology & Africana Studies
Chicago, Ill.

Why did you choose Cornell?

Cornell University holds a distinguished place in history as one of the first institutions in the United States to establish a department dedicated to Africana and Black studies. This pioneering move underscores Cornell’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual innovation, setting a foundation that has influenced Black studies curricula across the country. Choosing Cornell meant becoming part of a legacy — one that actively shapes and enriches the discourse on race, identity and social justice. Additionally, as a POSSE Scholar, I was matched with Cornell because of my leadership potential and academic promise, and I felt that Cornell’s emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship and diversity would provide the intellectually rigorous and expansive environment I sought. Overall, I wanted an education deeply seated in academic breadth, where I could engage with complex ideas and cultivate a nuanced understanding of the world around me.

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

One of my proudest academic achievements has been my participation in the Nexus Scholars Program, where I worked with Professor Jamie Budnick on research examining sexuality, LGBTQ politics, identity measurement and social science expertise. Through this experience, I conducted qualitative data collection, coding and analysis across a vast range of sources. Additionally, I contributed to literature reviews and critical discussions that deepened my understanding of identity formation and the politics of knowledge production. Beyond research, I am proud of the ways I have learned to navigate academic spaces on my own terms — asserting my voice, refining my interests and recognizing my potential to contribute meaningfully to intellectual discourse.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

The academic and intellectual diversity of Cornell has profoundly influenced my education, but one of the most impactful figures has been Professor Misha Inniss-Thompson. Through her courses — Black Girlhood Studies and Introduction to Community Psychology — she not only expanded my understanding of what psychology can be but also made me feel secure and valued in a field that often involves resting in ongoing tensions. Her mentorship has reinforced my belief that academia is not just about producing knowledge but about transforming it — challenging existing paradigms and ensuring that scholarship remains accountable and accessible to the communities it represents.

What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?

Walking and modeling in Afrik remains one of the most cherished moments of my Cornell journey. The event’s celebration of Black fashion, music and artistry created a powerful space of cultural expression and affirmation. The showcase not only highlighted the richness of the diaspora but also fostered a sense of belonging and pride within the Black community on campus. Participating in Afrik was deeply personal for me — I stepped out of my comfort zone, engaged with a new form of creative expression, and was embraced by a community that celebrated me wholeheartedly. In that moment, I felt the synergy between individuality and collective embrace, a reminder of the power of representation and visibility.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series.Read more about the Class of 2025.