Maddie Kenealey

Name: Maddie Kenealey
Major(s): Journalism and Sports Media
Minor(s): History
Graduation: April 2028
Instagram: @maddiekenealey

I'm Maddie! I'm the oldest of five kids, I'm a full time student and I work as an Honors student Advisor as well as TA. I love to read, write and travel, and I devote my free time to my family, friends, poetry club and honors events. I've been to 13 countries, and I own way more books than it is convenient to move apartments with. My favorite color is lavender, my favorite treat is dark chocolate ice cream, and I will never be able to choose a favorite book. (See Maddie's Insta Reel here)

What sparked your interest in your major? I'm interested in journalism because I think that the distribution of information is really important and I feel deeply passionate about creating stories that people can understand and rely on.

What’s one item on your bucket list? I want to solo travel to a country I have never been to with no plans and see what I find.

What’s the best-kept secret at BYU? Why? The Pendulum court cafe- the food is good, and it's pretty cheap.

What are three things that can always be found in your pantry/refrigerator? rice, eggs and kimchi

What are people often surprised to learn about you? My dad works at BYU!

What do you do differently than most people? When I'm playing card games, I organize my cards based on the game and hand that I have rather than by any specific system.

If you could instantly master any skill or talent, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to be really good at dance, specifically ballroom and west coast swing styles.

Why did you decide to join the Honors Program? My dad taught a class in the program, and told me that he thought I would love it, so I signed up just in case I did like it, and I ended up feeling such a strong sense of belonging in the community that I couldn't imagine leaving.

What has been your favorite Honors experience? I loved my first unexpected connections course! It was so wonderful to think about and try to understand poverty from a theological and historical perspective.

What is your next step in Honors? I'm currently in HSLC, and plan to continue that and take my next unexpected connections course this winter.