DESIGNER
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EDITOR
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INFLUENCER
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MY STORY
Fate led me to the banks of the Neuse River and, there, Camp Don Lee became my home. My first adventure began when I was seven weeks old, attending Family Camp; everyone knew this magical place would impact me. Each summer was a new experience for me learning about my faith, leadership skills, and confidence within this loving community. In search of a sense of belonging and a place where I could be creative, fate also led me into my high school Journalism class, and I fell in love all over again. While my experiences in both places were quite different, the lessons that I learned in both places are the foundation of my journalistic life.
My favorite tradition at Camp Don Lee is receiving ropes at the end of the summer; one is the coveted Tweeker (two-weeker) Rope. Our group was awarded a colorfully braided rope, which was bound around our ankles. Daily, I gaze at these ropes that illustrate my empathy towards others, courage to take on challenges, and the energy that I share.These strands are the centerpiece of me;
woven around my ankle, my heart, and my soul.
Emerald green with black stripes is on my ankle. It reminds me that my actions positively affect my community. When I walked into my first Journalism class during my Sophomore year, I was handed a platform through the publication of the high school yearbook. As a journalist, I strive to share honest stories that give a voice to the minority, shine a light on inequalities, and start meaningful conversations. Exceptional Children: Exceptional Future, opens our eyes to the value of diversity. My experience as a Special Olympics coach inspired me to write this story highlighting the abilities of our EC students. Trevor, one of the most inspiring people on the Special Olympics team, lights up a room with his dancing and laughter. Spending time each week with Trevor and his teammates creates a new understanding of my place in the world. Working with the Special Olympics allows me to become part of a new community of inclusion and acceptance, regardless of ability. Trevor’s story teaches us that perfection is not needed to live a life filled with happiness. Emerald green reminds me that I understand people and care.
This is who I am.
Snakes are scary, but my tan snakeskin rope with specks of white and black reminds me of courage. Sharing the truth is the backbone of a Journalist, even when the truth is incredibly hard to hear. This past year, one of our students died by suicide. Making it a priority to spread awareness on mental health and provide resources to those struggling, we provided a tribute to Parker Summerell on our people pages. Researching this story, I learned that almost seventy percent of teenagers say that mental illness is a major obstacle in their lives. As someone suffering from anxiety and depression, I am on a mission to end the mental health stigma. One of my goals as a Journalism and Media major is to use all digital media avenues to fight against this stigma, normalize mental health conversations, and create platforms where those struggling do not feel alone. Courage is my snakeskin around my ankle; I am capable of strength, and I am not fearful.
This is who I am.
My strongest and most thickly braided rope sits at the top: teal with red string woven throughout. Sometimes I am unsure about myself, but I know I have infectious energy; I use that to lead. One way I influenced my school community this year was by creating an Instagram account to promote athletic events and increase school spirit. Using social media, I spotlight student athletes and celebrate athletic victories so that everyone can feel more connected to the teams. Reaching more than 750 students in a few months, my work gives me a sense of purpose and immense pride. I witnessed the power social media has; uniting the student body and rallying it behind a cause. I shine a light on everyone; that is my favorite characteristic. This teal rope is my statement that I am confident.
This is who I am.
Each rope is an important essence in my life, reminders of my best qualities and core values, and they are burned around my ankles keeping me from stumbling. All of the different colors of rope - emerald green, tan and black, and teal - embody empathy, courage, and energy.
This is me: MK Ferrell.
My favorite tradition at Camp Don Lee is receiving ropes at the end of the summer; one is the coveted Tweeker (two-weeker) Rope. Our group was awarded a colorfully braided rope, which was bound around our ankles. Daily, I gaze at these ropes that illustrate my empathy towards others, courage to take on challenges, and the energy that I share.These strands are the centerpiece of me;
woven around my ankle, my heart, and my soul.
Emerald green with black stripes is on my ankle. It reminds me that my actions positively affect my community. When I walked into my first Journalism class during my Sophomore year, I was handed a platform through the publication of the high school yearbook. As a journalist, I strive to share honest stories that give a voice to the minority, shine a light on inequalities, and start meaningful conversations. Exceptional Children: Exceptional Future, opens our eyes to the value of diversity. My experience as a Special Olympics coach inspired me to write this story highlighting the abilities of our EC students. Trevor, one of the most inspiring people on the Special Olympics team, lights up a room with his dancing and laughter. Spending time each week with Trevor and his teammates creates a new understanding of my place in the world. Working with the Special Olympics allows me to become part of a new community of inclusion and acceptance, regardless of ability. Trevor’s story teaches us that perfection is not needed to live a life filled with happiness. Emerald green reminds me that I understand people and care.
This is who I am.
Snakes are scary, but my tan snakeskin rope with specks of white and black reminds me of courage. Sharing the truth is the backbone of a Journalist, even when the truth is incredibly hard to hear. This past year, one of our students died by suicide. Making it a priority to spread awareness on mental health and provide resources to those struggling, we provided a tribute to Parker Summerell on our people pages. Researching this story, I learned that almost seventy percent of teenagers say that mental illness is a major obstacle in their lives. As someone suffering from anxiety and depression, I am on a mission to end the mental health stigma. One of my goals as a Journalism and Media major is to use all digital media avenues to fight against this stigma, normalize mental health conversations, and create platforms where those struggling do not feel alone. Courage is my snakeskin around my ankle; I am capable of strength, and I am not fearful.
This is who I am.
My strongest and most thickly braided rope sits at the top: teal with red string woven throughout. Sometimes I am unsure about myself, but I know I have infectious energy; I use that to lead. One way I influenced my school community this year was by creating an Instagram account to promote athletic events and increase school spirit. Using social media, I spotlight student athletes and celebrate athletic victories so that everyone can feel more connected to the teams. Reaching more than 750 students in a few months, my work gives me a sense of purpose and immense pride. I witnessed the power social media has; uniting the student body and rallying it behind a cause. I shine a light on everyone; that is my favorite characteristic. This teal rope is my statement that I am confident.
This is who I am.
Each rope is an important essence in my life, reminders of my best qualities and core values, and they are burned around my ankles keeping me from stumbling. All of the different colors of rope - emerald green, tan and black, and teal - embody empathy, courage, and energy.
This is me: MK Ferrell.
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Me and my advisor, Andrea Haley picking out swatch colors for last year's book.
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