When I think back on my 22 years of life and everything that my parents, Paula and Ray, have taught me, it’s hard to put into words all the lessons learned from them. Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve gained from my parents is the importance of giving back to your community.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the day after I learned to walk, my dad tried to sign me up for a walk-a-thon because that’s how much he loves volunteering and charity.
Living in Naperville, I never can go anywhere without someone asking if Ray Kinney is my dad. When I was younger, I really didn’t understand why everyone knew who he was, because to me, he was just plain old Dad.
But the older I got, the more I realized how truly involved and invested in the Naperville community he is, and that is why everyone knows him.
Instead of just getting involved in one organization, he got involved with pretty much any one possible. And that’s another lesson I’ve learned: don’t stop with just getting involved in just one thing, get involved in as many as possible.
I took that lesson with me to Indiana, where I was heavily involved in my sorority, the Little 500, and Indiana University Dance Marathon. Through these organizations, I truly was able to discover my passions and purpose at IU. I learned why my parents are so crazy obsessed with giving back to the community. It allows you to follow your dreams and to dream BIG.
I also learned from my parents that you have to work hard to play hard—and that you should always carry a corkscrew with you.
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for everything!
