This week, The Grenada Star spotlights Kenesha Barnes, Smart Start instructor at the Grenada Adult Education Center.
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born at Grenada Lake Medical Center on Dec. 3, 1981.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I graduated from Grenada High School.
Q: Where all have you lived?
A: I have lived in Grenada, Hattiesburg and Starkville, and now I am back in Grenada.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I work at the Grenada Adult Education Center. I am an Adult Education instructor and a Smart Start instructor. I wear many hats here.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: As far as my degree, it is not in education. I have a Bachelor’s of Science and Human Science and I also have an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The end of the story. I work in a job where I have the ability to daily see the underdog win. They get to rewrite their story.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was that the City Pool.
Q: Who is the person who has been most influential in your life?
A: As far as my faith, it leads me and guides me, so defiantly Jesus, but as far as someone here now, my Aunt Monica. She is also an educator. She broke a lot of barriers when it came to educating herself. When she sets a goal for herself, it’s good to see her accomplish that goal she has set. She is a good decision maker.
Q: If you could relive one day from your life, what day would you choose?
A: I lost my Mom when I was 16-years-old. I would pick any day before I was 16 to have a moment with my mom. I always would chose my youth over spending time with my Mom and if I could go back, I would choose to spend more time with her.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: French fries and a chicken quesadilla from No Way Jose.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would like to go to Dubai.
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I enjoy reading. I like to sing and shop. I am trying to learn to sew. I really enjoy spending time with my family.
Q: What do you enjoy about living and working in Grenada?
A: I think that Grenada is a family-oriented city and for me that is something to rejoice about. As far as working here, I enjoy being a tool in someone else’s life in this town. For me here, it is about destiny. I get to teach them to be service people. I get to help these students go and impact the community.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: Dr. Cindy Trimm. She is an empowerment specialist. She is a great mentor and life coach. I would love to sit down and have a meal with her.
Q: Would you rather read a good book or watch a good movie and why?
A: I think I am about 50/50 with this one. My favorite book is “Pearl in the Sand” and my favorite movie is “Coming to America.”
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
A: My Salvation. It has completely changed my outlook on life and it changed my heart.
Q: What would be the No. 1 thing on your Bucket List?
A: I don’t have a bucket list, but I want to travel to another country. I would love to parasail one day.
Q: If you could describe your morals in three words, what would they be?
A: Integrity. Love. Respect.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I want to be remembered as a loving, faith-filled and generous woman.
~ By Mandy Ayers
