Weber State student challenges ‘college material’ myth
OGDEN, Utah – Looking back, it’s hard to believe Brodee Kendrick ever considered himself “not college material.”
A sophomore at Weber State University, Kendrick is active in student leadership, works on campus, and is about to earn his associate’s degree.
It’s a stark contrast from his childhood, when Kendrick struggled in school due to anxiety, dyslexia and ADHD.
“I always associated school with hard things and uncomfortable feelings, so I was fine with the idea that high school would be my highest degree,” he said.
Kendrick waited several years before reluctantly signing up for his first college course, an online psychology class, because he was “really, really bored” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In that class, they talked about people who experience ADHD and dyslexia, which gave Kendrick a boost of confidence to take more classes. His professor encouraged him to visit Disability Services to find out how they could help him be more successful in class.
The staff there introduced him to various accommodations for students with disabilities, including dedicated testing rooms, extra time on exams, and access to programs that read textbooks aloud, much like an audiobook.
“That really empowered me, knowing I had a support system and people who actually cared about me,” Kendrick said.
Only taking one class per semester at the time, Kendrick connected with the WSU Student Association, where he learned about scholarship opportunities. But there was a catch: He had to become a full-time student.
“That’s when I really went gung-ho and signed up full time,” Kendrick said. He became a director in WSUSA, managing a marketing and social media team. The new relationships he formed with both students and academic advisors made Kendrick rethink his outlook on higher education.
“It was way different than I thought it would be,” he said. “College was more than the classroom, it opened doors to friendships and experiences.”
Kendrick is now an ambassador for the Office of Admissions, giving daily tours of campus and sharing his story as a WSU student. He also visits local high schools, talking with youth who are uncertain about college, like he once was.
“My favorite thing to tell those kids is that you can have anything you want, everything is possible at Weber State if you just use your voice and talk to the right people.”
When it comes to his own degree, Kendrick is open-minded about what he’ll pursue after earning his associate’s in April. He’s already considered an array of studies: social work, marketing, business administration, education and counseling.
“College opens your mind to what interests you,” he said. “Sometimes it just takes time to see what kind of careers are out there.”
Whatever he does, it will involve helping others, he said. In a society that gives so much air time to bad news, he’s happy to spread some positivity.
“I love working with people and being a voice for people,” he said. “I really like watching others succeed and overcome challenges. It’s just a euphoric feeling.”
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu