Kylan Benson heads to Harvard

KIDS WHO SHINE KYLAN BENSON, 18

Center Point native Kylan Benson has always enjoyed school. “When I was younger, I hated missing even a single day,” he says. “However, this past year, I’ve learned that it’s okay to miss a day or two when you need to recharge.” Since the Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School graduate’s acceptance into 18 schools—four in the Ivy League—it’s safe to say he’s earned a little recharge.

Kylan began his education at Sun Valley Elementary, then moved on to Smith Middle School, and finally Ramsay, from where he graduated as valedictorian in June. “I am Birmingham born and bred and a lifelong product of Birmingham City Schools, all of which I am proud of,” he notes.

Though he acknowledges an innate love for learning, Kylan is partial to one subject. “History has always been my favorite; I find it fascinating. I’ve been fortunate to have some engaging history teachers,” he says. “My fifth-grade history teacher, Mr. Stracener, told me, “Knowing your past guides your future,” and that has always stuck with me.”

During his four years at Ramsay, Kylan was a member of the SpeakFirst Debate Team and the Ramsay YMCA Youth in Government Club, of which he served as co-captain and president, respectively, his senior year. “I will forever have a strong passion and love for these organizations. They both gave me great opportunities, exposed me to new places and ideas, helped me find my voice, and allowed me to uncover my passion for world politics,” he says. “I also served as my senior class president, which taught me many leadership lessons and some personal lessons that I needed to prepare for my future.”

When it came time to apply for college, Kylan’s hard work paid off big time. Of the 19 colleges to which he applied, he was accepted to all but his top choice, American University. In the end, he found the right fit at Harvard. In addition, Kylan was awarded scholarships totaling $4,057,988, covering his four years at Harvard. He also received the Rotary Club of Birmingham Scholarship and the Dubs Foundation Excellence First Scholarship, which will help with personal expenses, like books and travel. Kylan will be majoring in government with a focus on international relations. “My biggest motivation to work hard is my personality. I have always been an achiever, at times maybe an overachiever. Accomplishing things just gives me a great sense of personal pride. So, I keep my goals in front of me and that gives me the perseverance I need to continue to work hard. I would be remiss if I didn’t add that most of the things I work at, from school to extracurriculars, have been things that I am passionate about. When you have a passion for something, working on it is a joy.”

He knows the college process isn’t easy for parents or students. “There’s a lot of anxieties that come, from wondering if you have crafted a good application to receiving admissions decisions to figuring out how to pay for college. It’s a journey with highs and lows,” he says. “I would encourage parents to be understanding and supportive and not to be overbearing. Choosing a college is one of the first major life-changing decisions that many young people make. Sometimes parents might want to steer their children in a certain direction, but this is the beginning of letting your children fully make their own choices. Embrace it and be proud of their future.” Ultimately, he knows it isn’t about where you end up. “The college process is unpredictable, and you may not get into your dream school,” he says. “Remember: It’s not about where you go; it’s about what you do when you get there. Be bold, dream big, and you will find success!”

Kylan has certainly taken his own advice, but he also knows he didn’t get here alone. “I would like to give a sincere thank you to all my teachers; they have shaped me more than they know,” he says. “And my family, particularly my mother and grandmother, have been huge in helping me make it this far. They have always been willing to do whatever they have to in order to support me.”

Olivia Tetralogy of Fallot Patient Olivia Tetralogy of Fallot Patient

was actually through her leg. MENDING HER The path to HEART was actually through her leg. MENDING HER The path to HEART

Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve – but this time heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve – but this time Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the Children’s of Alabama. southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at Children’s of Alabama.

To learn more visit ChildrensAL.org/heartTo learn more visit ChildrensAL.org/heart

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