Outstanding Students

DaLynn Pokorny

Where are you from? 

I am from Elberon, Iowa.

Why did you choose Kirkwood? 

I chose Kirkwood because it was close to home, affordable and it was somewhere I knew I would have access to incredible opportunities without the overwhelmingly large class sizes.

What is your major and how did you choose it? 

I am a neuroscience major. I chose neuroscience because after personally experiencing a highly under-researched neurological condition, I realized that if I wanted to truly get to the root cause of my condition, I couldn’t just sit back and wait for the answers that I wanted. I decided to join other scientists and doctors in the search for those answers through medical research.

What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?

While there are many things I have been proud of at Kirkwood, I would say one of the highlights of my time here at Kirkwood is the connections that I have made with other students and professors, even through the unusual circumstances we faced because of the pandemic.

What are your plans after Kirkwood? 

After my time at Kirkwood, I will be attending the University of Iowa for a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. I would like to start working in a research lab after graduation and continue my journey for higher education.

What inspires or motivates you? 

Something that motivates me is knowing that everything happens for a reason. When we think we are experiencing something that was meant to destroy us, it might actually be the thing that was meant to shape us into who we’re meant to be. Challenges can help make us stronger, wiser, more courageous and maybe even grateful.

Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc.

I grew up in a tiny town in Tama County on a farm with my incredible older sister, Kelsey, and my loving parents, Mike and Ronda. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, friends and animals. I’m a huge Cedar Rapids Roughriders hockey fan, I love baking with my grandma, spending time outside, helping other people and traveling. My bucket list travel destinations are the Czech Republic, Italy, the pacific northwest, Switzerland and Austria! I can also speak Spanish, but I would love to learn Italian and German.

What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you?

Being named an Outstanding Student is an incredible honor. Being selected as an Outstanding Student is something that I would’ve never expected, but it is such a good feeling to know that all of the countless hours spent in and out of the classroom are paying off.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

I want to thank all of the teachers that I have had at Kirkwood as well as all of my family and friends that have been there to support me on this incredible journey. I couldn’t do any of this without you.

Categories: Outstanding Students