Looking for the good in the world

No one is expected to be “happy all the time,” but that doesn’t mean a positive mental attitude is unreachable. Freshman KendaNaing “Kk” Kokonaing makes optimism a priority.

Ever since she was a young child she took on the busy lifestyle of church, music, pageants, and charity. The passion stemmed from her love of God and her desire to help others.

“When I was a child I have always been born into it. I went to a Baptist church so singing was high valued, choirs were a big part of church,” Kk said.

The Burmese-Thai first generation freshman has a passion for writing music as well as performing at pathway showing her courage being she is the youngest singer and is already leading by herself in front of thousands. Her passion runs deeper than just performing at pathway.

“I do have a big dream to actually go somewhere in the entertainment industry but now I’m really just worried about bettering my community, winning more titles, and helping more charities,” said Kk.

Along with singing and charity, pageants helped her to have the outlook she has today.

“I know that I am going to keep competing in the Miss America Organization until I place as a Miss nationally. I plan on doing another organization that leads into the Miss Universe,” said Kk.

While she is not a large title holder, yet she is progressing fast and will be attending the Miss America pageant next year.

Although she has had so many accomplishments and aspirations, she is a human being and has moments of negativity and self-doubt.

“I’d always see really talented young artist as a child and thought that could never be me, or I’ll never be that talented or skilled” said Kk

She has had her doubts, but it made her the person she is today.

“For me, it was a big decision to join Pathways worship team because compared to many people on the team I was young, but I think it’s when you display your confidence and remember your purpose, you have this light and it shows” said Kk.

From the beginning, KendaNaing Kokonaing realized she wasn’t the same as her peers.

“Being younger it was hard growing up in multiple cultures, so I wish I would’ve been more accepting of myself,” she said.

With growth and experiences, she has learned to be more accepting of herself.

“I’m a self-driven person and I like to see improvement because I know there is always room for that,” said Kk.

Kk offers a small nugget of advice for anyone seeking their dreams.

“If you are truly passionate about something, I believe that you can always achieve that goal or aspiration” said Kk.