By Diana Morose
Kevian Lewis, a senior majoring in communications and media studies, is graduating this spring and hails from the city of Chiefland, Florida, “The Gem of the Suwannee Valley” with a population of 2,316, according to the 2020 decennial census.
Being from such a small, close-knit community, he didn’t want to just stay in one place and resolved to set an example, showing that change can be good.
“I’m the first person in my family to even come to Miami. They don’t really branch out,” he said. “I’m trying to become the blueprint [for my family]. I’m trying to be the person they look at and think ‘Kevian was able to accomplish this so I can, too.’”
When he first came to Barry University, Lewis was unsure of which direction he wanted to take. He initially started out as a psychology major before he chose to explore different majors.
“I just started doing a lot of exploring. I took a communication class, and I ended up loving it,” he said.
Lewis recently hosted the TEDxBarryU event March 21 that focused on reimagining our realities. This opportunity held a lot of meaning for him and showed that his branching out proved beneficial.
He is the first person in his family to go to college. In fact, in the Chiefland community only 11.3 percent of the population hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
His graduation in May and the completion of his bachelor’s degree means so much to him and his family.
“I’m just trying to lead by example for my family and for the people where I’m from. If I can be the person to encourage people to chase their dreams, then that’s exactly who I’m going to be,” said Lewis.
Lewis plans on going to graduate school and becoming a therapist, and eventually one with a doctorate. He chose to become a therapist because he feels that everyone needs support and a person to talk to.
“Every chance I get to be there for somebody, I take it,” he said.
Kadeem Smith, another senior majoring in communications and media studies, had only positive words to say about Lewis.
“He’s wholeheartedly a respectable person. When we’ve worked together, he’s always pushed me to go out of my comfort zone,” he said.
Kaleb Telfer, a junior majoring in television and digital media, only started to get to know Lewis last year when they had a biology class together despite having classes with him prior.
“The more and more I started talking to him, I realized how I missed out on talking to a great person this entire time… He’s one of the most genuine people I’ve met on campus,” said Telfer.
With the milestone of graduation ahead of him, Lewis thought back on his time at Barry and how it has shaped him.
“Your experience at Barry is what you make it… I had a great experience here. From the students to the faculty, I have met and connected with a lot of people that have provided me with a lot of opportunities that helped me to get to be the person that I am today. I’m just very thankful,” he said.
Lewis hosts “The 129 Podcast,” which centers on self-help and motivating others to accomplish their dreams. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify with new episodes releasing weekly. Keep up to date with Lewis on Instagram @keeviann and his podcast @129forever_.