About Kailey Tucker
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
English Departmental Award
English major (Writing concentration) | Strategic Communication, and Advertising minors
“My Flagler experience was exciting, memorable, and unique.”
Phi Alpha Omega President & Secretary, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society President & Secretary, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Secretary, four-year English Department’s Open Mic Night Emcee, Omicron Kappa Delta, Flagler College Ambassador, Women of Vision Scholarship Recipient
Kailey's History-Making Moments
Describe your central passion(s) and how you hope to carry that into your post-grad plans:
I am passionate about poetry and literature, so I hope to continue writing and publishing my work beyond graduation. I learned that I also have a passion for public relations and communications, fields I plan on pursuing.
What (or who) helped inspire your passion in this area (or areas)?
My mentor from high school, Dr. Michael Bassett, inspired me to always be writing and creating. I never thought I could find mentors as encouraging as him until I met Professor Lauren Tivey and Dr. Courtney Kersten. These Flagler professors taught me my value as a writer and motivated my big ideas to keep writing and publishing. Also, Dr. Jinhyon Hammick inspired my passion for Communications. This class really built my skills and taught me I can also be creative in a different field other than English.
Briefly tell us the story of one stand-out memory from your time at Flagler that will always make you smile:
Each year, Phi Alpha Omega holds an Inductions Ceremony; and we do something called “Senior Wills.” Each senior writes a pretend will where they say what they want to leave their sisters behind and give a speech on what different friends have meant to them. In April, I got the opportunity to look my friends in the eyes and express how much they have changed my life for so much good; and I will never forget that moment.
What academic resources, experiences, or mentors proved most valuable throughout your Flagler experience?
The English Department has given me such valuable experiences. Each professor is dedicated to being there for their students in any possible way. I was able to take almost every single class on poetry; and my professor, Lauren Tivey, and advisor, Dr. Mozer, are to thank. I hosted the English Department’s Open Mic Night all four years, and I got hands on editing experience as an editor for the FLARE: The Flagler Review. In addition, I had the opportunity to write and read my poem for our Baccalaureate Ceremony in December.
What is one piece of advice or lesson you learned about the college experience that you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
Make the most of every single moment because your Flagler experience will fly by. Always finish reading the books you bought for classes, and do not forget your rain boots on cloudy days!
Tell us about what you’re up to next! Any cool experiences, professional positions, or unique opportunities you have lined up after graduation?
I will be attending graduate school at the University of Florida pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communications and Public Relations while continuing to work for the Walt Disney Company.
Featured Work
Check out Kailey’s poetry, and book of original poetry “Excerpts from 18” on her personal website: kaileytucker.com
Kailey’s poem, “Flickering Light” in Strike Magazine Flagler Issue 02 (Page 42)
Kailey’s poem, “I’ve Barely Been to College” on The Metaworker.com (April 2022)