Step Up: How have you changed since you first enrolled in Step Up?
Kristen Gordon: Since enrolling in Step Up I have definitely become more mature. My family and friends put a lot of trust in me and that is what inspired me to grow and become more mature.
SU: What advice would you give to your younger self?
KG: Don't worry! I spent a lot of time worrying about how to pay for school, other peoples' business, and other stuff. I couldn't help it, but looking back I realize I put myself through so much unnecessary stress. Don't stress, don't worry. In the end it always resolves itself.
I would also tell myself that everything happens for a reason. I used to question my path, but I realize now that my path is what brought me to this very moment. While bad things happen, if those things hadn't happened, I wouldn't be where I am today. You really have to trust yourself, trust the process, and be patient.
SU: What book has impacted you the most? Why?
KG: My favorite book is probably The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald for a few reasons. When I read it for the first time in ninth grade, I was so enveloped in the story that I accidentally read the entire book even though there was assigned reading. It also was what initiated my interest in literature, what has let me to be an English major today. It was so interesting for me to see how it affected culture. Just the idea that a whole book can change people's vision was incredible to me
SU: How has Step Up prepared you to face real world obstacles?
KG: Step Up taught me how to communicate, especially with adults. It gave me a platform for public speaking, something that I see as incredibly valuable in the real world. Without Step Up, I wouldn't have learned how to express how I felt or what I thought. It really changed the way I related to the world around me.
SU: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
KG: I would consider my greatest achievement (in college) is becoming a Resident's Assistant (RA). It means a lot to me because the RAs I had in my freshman year had a great deal of influence on me. I became an RA because it's a positive way of influencing the lives of people around you. It can be stressful at times, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. The fact that I can be there to support young women—whether they're dealing with a paper, an ex-boyfriend, or student loans —is incredible to me.
SU: What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
KG: I think one of the most important lessons life has taught me is to not dwell on negative things. I am a very positive person, so sometimes being around negative people or things can really mess with my energy. Life has taught me to not take things so seriously, to ignore negativity, and to continue on my path.
It has also taught me the power of saying "No." Being a positive person leaves me vulnerable; often people take advantage of me. Learning how to say no, no matter how hard it can be sometimes, it about respecting your self-worth.
SU: How has your vision for yourself changed since starting Step Up?
KG: When I started Step Up I was most focused on getting into school. Now, I try to envision a future in which I can give back; I want to be successful enough to support incredible organizations like Step Up.
SU: What's your go-to news source/favorite website?
KG: My favorite sources are Twitter and and Buzzfeed. I love Twitter because of the diversity of voices that appear together in one place. I get to see the news from different perspectives, instead of just sampling through one lens. I like the way Twitter allows me to learn about the entirety of the United States instead of just where I am right now. I like Buzzfeed because it's a great distraction. I love watching those cooking videos during study breaks!
SU: What motivates you?
KG: The way I was raised. I want to be able to support my children so that we can live comfortable lives, so I can support them if they want to travel. I am also motivated by my environment; going through the same-sex education track has really benefited me because of the way that women support other women. It reminds me that I need to believe in myself, and that I can do anything.
SU: Who is your female role model? Why?
KG: My female role model is definitely my mom. She has taught me so much just by the way she lives her life. I see her learn from her mistakes without losing the honesty she holds so dear. She lives her life openly; she doesn't hide who she is. She makes sacrifices for me, for her mother, that only show how strong she is. Above all, she is comfortable and confident of herself. She's everything to me, and inspires me every day.
Watch Kristen beam with pride at Spelman College! (at 1:15 mins)
