When Kernsly arrived in the United States from Haiti, he carried determination and hope of building a brighter future for himself and his family. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and educational system each presented unique challenges to Kernsly’s goal of pursuing his education. There were times when balancing multiple jobs with college classes, along with financial stress and insecurity, made it difficult to focus on his goal of continuing his degree. Despite overwhelming challenges, Kernsly has been able to persevere with resilience and optimism through uncertain times.
Kernsly found a reinvigorated sense of meaning and purpose in the healthcare field, through a position as a Personal Care Assistant. Caring for people during the most vulnerable moments of their lives inspired Kernsly to seek opportunities for growth in healthcare. With the First Literacy Scholarship, Kernsly is pursuing a degree in Radiologic Technology at MassBay Community College. He is passionate about making a positive impact on patients and hopes to build a career as a Radiologic Technologist, where he can combine empathic patient care with specialized technology to help diagnose and treat illnesses.