Undergraduate Student Kendal Hengst Wants to Impact the World in a Positive Way

Kendal Hengst is an undergraduate student in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) who wants to “be in a position where I can have direct influence on someone and work in a job where I can impact people in a positive way.” Hengst is majoring in political science and languages, literatures & cultures with a concentration in German and minoring in international studies and leadership studies. She is on her way to creating positive change throughout her academic career and beyond. 

Hengst intends to pursue a career in international politics with a focus on education. “I want to be on the front lines and be the change that I want to see,” she said. 

The courses she's taken within CAHSS have bolstered her skills and provided the necessary experience to reach her goals. “CAHSS has offered me valuable resources, and a real-world perspective needed to pursue a career in international diplomacy,” she said. “I had the chance to meet with a former United Nations employee. This helped me understand what it truly takes to succeed in that environment. These experiences have made my goals feel more tangible.” 

During her time at DU, Hengst has also developed her research, writing and critical thinking skills, along with “a deeper appreciation for endless intercultural understanding. The collaborative nature of CAHSS has taught me to handle global issues with empathy, curiosity and open dialogue, all values I hope to use in the field of diplomacy,” she said. 

This fall, she is heading to Germany, where she will study abroad to gain more exposure in international politics and immerse herself in culture. “Meeting people with different backgrounds and interests helps me find myself,” Hengst said. 

She holds an introspective lens on the world. “Everyone’s path is different. I spend so much time thinking college is going to be one way, but your path is your path. There are no mistakes in that,” she said. 

Hengst’s path has led her to serve as a student employee on the Marketing and Communications team in CAHSS for the past two quarters. When asked how she would describe the team, one word resonated the most: “Supportive. I have not experienced a single hour in this office where I did not feel supported by everyone. Working here feels light, energetic, new and upbeat,” she said. 

Hannah Fulk, who serves as the Senior Manager of Digital Communications within CAHSS and Hengst’s supervisor, said, “Kendal exceeds expectations as a student assistant on our CAHSS Marcomm team. She has immense creativity and talent towards telling student stories, and she’s never afraid to speak her mind when she has an idea she wants to explore. Getting to know Kendal as her supervisor has been a true privilege, as her energy, authenticity and dependability make her wonderful to collaborate with.” 

Once Hengst finishes her undergraduate degree, her goal is to work for the United Nations, focused on international diplomacy. Hengst is still new in her professional and academic journey but is already leaving a positive mark on those around her and working to leave her mark on the world.