Outstanding Students

Melissa Barnard

Q: Where are you from? (city, state) 

A: Keystone, Iowa 

Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood? 

A: Kirkwood’s program of studies worked well with my busy schedule and full-time job. 

Q: What is your major and how did you choose it? 

A: I am majoring in Paralegal Studies and I chose it because I really enjoy learning about the law and how it applies to so many areas of the average person’s life. 

Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?  

A: Making the All-Iowa Academic Team. 

Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood? 

A: I’m excited to see how I can best utilize my degree to advance my career. 

Q: What inspires or motivates you? 

A: My daughters both motivate me to do my best and inspire me to branch out and push myself, as I watch them forging their own paths as adults. 

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

A: I am a wife, a mom of two amazing daughters, dog-mom to three fantastic puppers, a secretary at an elementary school, and an avid runner. 

 
Q: What does be named an Outstanding Student mean to you? 

A: It reminds me that it’s never too late to start again and that nothing is out of reach if you’re willing to work for it. 

Categories: Outstanding Students