By Richard LeComte 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — First-generation University of Kentucky student Kennedy Fitzpatrick grew up knowing the value of education, thanks to her supportive mother.  

 “Education was always a big deal in my household,” said Fitzpatrick, who’s earning a dual degree in psychology and U.S. culture and business practices with a minor in business on the pre-law track in UK’s College of Arts and Sciences. “My mom made sure that we knew it was very important for my sister and I, so I’ve always had a deep desire and determination to learn.” 

Fitzpatrick is from Louisville; she went to Louisville Male High School for two years and finished at Ballard High School. Her interest in psychology developed when she took an AP class in the subject. She sees the major as a path to law school. 

"I think that a big part of being a lawyer is having interpersonal skills,” she said. "That's one of the reasons why I wanted to major in psychology. I felt that having that personal client connection is an important part of that career.” 

Among her favorite faculty members are Alex Knoll, Ph.D., a lecturer; and Mia Radevski, a graduate student who taught the Brain and Behavior class.  

“I wasn’t fond of the course at first, and I was so nervous, because I’m not a science person,” Fitzpatrick said. "But she (Radevski) ended up being one of my best and favorite professors. I also ended up loving that class. It showed me how psychology is tied to biology and how it works the brain.” 

Her career goal of law was inspired in part by the situation of her father, who battled addiction and incarceration.  

"I think that in the beginning, when I was younger, I wanted to pursue law to become a criminal defense attorney," she said.  "I think I am now more intrigued by corporate law. I plan to pursue a master's in business administration along with my J.D., and so I'm more interested now in working with companies and private organizations to work on policy reform for rehabilitation programs within the private and public sectors of federal penitentiaries.” 

At UK, she’s deeply involved with her fellow students as she works as a resident adviser in Haggin Hall. She also enjoys playing pickleball with the friends she made as a freshman at UK. Overall, UK has proved to be a good choice for her college career. 

"I came to UK because it felt like home for me,” she said. "It was right down the road, but it was a far-enough distance away from home so I could have the opportunity to grow up little bit. I've always been a Wildcat fan, so I felt like I always knew I was going to go to Kentucky." 

The First-Gen Trailblazers Fund provides scholarships and academic support for first-generation students like Kaleb, ensuring they have the resources to succeed. 

Through One Day for UK, donors can help fund scholarships, research opportunities, and mentorship programs for students who will go on to transform healthcare and strengthen communities across Kentucky. 

Make a difference. Support First-Gen Trailblazers on One Day for UK and help students like Kaleb shape the future of public policy.