Campus Conversation: Naomi Kemp
Posted on: January 21, 2021; Updated on: January 21, 2021
"COVID has made studying more difficult for me. Before COVID, I would be in Thomas Cooper before the sun came up, hours during the day, and sometimes all night to focus on my work. It was harder to study at home with my big family in Charlotte or in Columbia with my roommate. I often took up the entire dining room table in Columbia, covering it with papers, open books, art supplies, power tools, and take-out. I felt less connected to my classmates and people in my organizations.
I am involved in the Black Honors Caucus, where I serve as Secretary and Alumni Relations Chair and often serve as an ambassador for the Honors College. I am also a member of the SC Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity and a college Life Group leader for Midtown Fellowship. Outside of school, I run an online thrift store with my oldest sister called Aunt Viv's Thrift Shop. We sell vintage and original items, including ceramics, glassware, clothing, and custom dresses from t-shirts. Our goal is to encourage secondhand clothing, gift, and décor options to combat wasteful and unethical production and distribution of products. I will be taking a few gap years before applying to medical school. During this time, I hope to serve in the Peace Corps in an area of public health."
Naomi Kemp, senior biology major and art studio minor
Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about