Bellevue Student Spotlight: Emily Kennedy
Meet Emily Kennedy, a dedicated student at Life West Bellevue, whose journey to chiropractic has been nothing short of inspiring. From her Nebraska roots to her role as a Student Council member and tutor, Emily’s passion for chiropractic care and commitment to service are evident in everything she does. Here’s a glimpse into her journey, motivations, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue chiropractic at Life West Bellevue?
I’m a Nebraska native who grew up with a pretty normal childhood—sports, family, and friends. But by my sophomore year of high school, I started noticing something was off. I remember saying, “I just can’t move right.” A visit to the doctor led to an x-ray revealing that I had scoliosis. It was a huge blow to me at the time, but all I was told was to “watch it” and see what happens, which led me to step away from sports.
My life took a big turn when I saw a chiropractic video on YouTube. The video showed a young man who was hunched over and couldn’t even look his dad in the eye, but after receiving chiropractic care, he walked out standing tall, able to see his dad’s face clearly. In that moment, I knew I wanted to change lives in that way.
When it came time to choose a chiropractic college, Life West Bellevue was the obvious choice for me. The small class sizes, the personal instructor time, and the strong sense of community all resonated with me. The school’s ethos of "Give. Do. Love. Serve." sealed the deal, and now, as a student here, I know it was the right fit.
How has your recent marriage influenced your journey as a student? Any tips for balancing personal and academic life?
Being married has really kept me focused on the bigger picture. I think about the gift of chiropractic care that I’ll one day be able to share with my husband and future children, and that drives me every day. It’s also been a great reminder to balance my responsibilities and take things one day at a time. I use a detailed calendar to keep track of everything and set reminders to make sure I don’t overcommit. It’s all about staying focused on the present and not stressing over what’s coming next.
What inspired you to join the Student Council, and what has been your most rewarding experience so far?
Growing up in a small town, I was always involved in community groups and committees. I served on my school’s student council and even as secretary of my 4-H group. It’s funny that I now serve as the secretary for the Student Council at Life West! I love being able to lend a helping hand and use my organizational skills to benefit the student body.
The most rewarding part has been seeing how much we’ve built as a council. Just a year ago, I didn’t know most of the people on the board, and now they’re my peers and friends. It’s been amazing to watch our vision take shape and to be a part of that growth.
What goals do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Student Council Executive Board?
My goal is to inspire other students to get involved. Being on the Executive Board has been an incredible opportunity to influence decisions and see ideas come to life. One of the things I didn’t expect to enjoy so much is meeting with Life West’s president, Dr. Ron Oberstein, every other week. It’s rare to have a president who cares enough about students to schedule personal meetings with us, and it’s been a unique and special part of my experience. I want to encourage other students to use their gifts to serve others, just as I’ve had the chance to do.
What do you enjoy most about tutoring underclassmen, and how has it enhanced your own learning?
What I love most about tutoring is seeing that “lightbulb” moment when a student understands something that was once unclear to them. I really connect with students because I remember what it was like to be in their shoes—feeling lost or confused. It’s amazing to help them get past that and see them excited to learn.
Tutoring also deepens my own understanding. To teach something, I have to fully grasp it myself. It’s helped me connect the dots between different concepts and has made studying more efficient for me. Plus, I spend time looking for the best visuals and diagrams to explain things, which not only helps my students but strengthens my own retention.
Do you have any advice for students seeking help with challenging courses?
My biggest piece of advice is to never think there’s something you can’t figure out. Break the material down piece by piece, and if you come across something you don’t understand, Google it! Then keep digging until you find the answers. I also create my own charts and diagrams to visualize concepts—it really helps me understand the material on a deeper level. And if you’re still struggling, find a friend who gets it or visit tutoring. Most importantly, don’t give up!
With so many responsibilities, how do you manage your time effectively?
Time management is a game-changer for me. I create a chart every quarter, writing down everything we’ve covered in each class. I color-code the tasks: blue for completed, red for things that need studying. This gives me a visual representation of how much I need to do, and I can plan each day accordingly. It helps me stay organized and focused, especially when things get busy.
What strategies help you stay motivated and focused?
Writing everything down is key for me—studies show that the simple act of writing things down makes you more likely to complete them. I also keep a big-picture mindset. I know this time in school is a rare opportunity to learn as much as I can. Once I start my career, I won’t have the luxury of dedicating 3.5 years just to studying, so I take full advantage of the time I have.
Additionally, I dream big. One of my goals is to take care of my grandparents and make sure they stay healthy and connected to family. I don’t want them ever having to go to a nursing home. Chiropractic is a lifestyle, and I want to share that with my family.
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not studying or serving on the council?
In my free time, I love starting my day with a devotional and reading my Bible to stay centered in my faith. I also have a bunny named Loaf and a kitten named Tigger who bring me so much joy. I’ve always loved animals, so spending time with them is one of my favorite things. And when I need a creative outlet, I enjoy crocheting and making little gifts for people.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self not to worry about what other people are doing. It’s easy to feel like others are ahead or doing “better,” but everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own path and trust that it will unfold as it should. Doing the right thing might take longer, but it’s always worth it in the end.
What are your long-term goals in chiropractic, and how has Life West helped shape them?
My long-term goal is to become the best chiropractor I can be—one who helps people heal and improve their lives. Life West has given me the tools and the belief in myself to make that happen. I’ve been exposed to a variety of chiropractors and techniques, which gives me the flexibility to pursue whatever path I’m called to. I’m excited to see where my journey leads!
What are you most excited about as you continue your journey at Life West Bellevue?
I’m most excited to walk across the graduation stage and finally become a chiropractor! I’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much to learn. I know I’m in the right place, and I can’t wait to see both the chiropractor and the person I’ll be when I officially graduate.
Emily’s journey at Life West Bellevue is one of growth, dedication, and a deep commitment to helping others. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, focus, and the right mindset, we can achieve our dreams—one adjustment at a time.
