Kamryn Hoiska: A Purpose in Education
Kamryn Hoiska is a senior at Alice Lloyd College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (Pre-K through 5th grade). From Partridge, Kentucky, she is a first-generation college student and began her final semester at the College while student teaching at Cumberland Elementary.
During her time at ALC, Kamryn has represented the College well and earned numerous honors, including the Class of 1982 Student Teacher Award and the Kentucky Education Association Leadership Award. She also served as the College’s representative in last year’s Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as a candidate for queen.
As part of Alice Lloyd College’s Student Work Program, which allows students to help cover the cost of their education by working on campus, Kamryn worked in both the Marketing and Communications Department and the Education Department. In the Marketing office, Kamryn specialized in social media and helped promote the College through its various accounts. She also assisted her coworkers and supervisors with planning and hosting major campus events, such as ALC’s Appalachia Day Homecoming and Christmas on Caney. For the Education Department, Kamryn performed many tasks as an assistant to the department’s secretary, including making copies, cleaning, assisting other students majoring in education, and running errands.
Kamryn says that although she has always wanted to be a teacher, ALC helped her redefine her passion and discover her true purpose. “Through its faith-based foundation and close-knit community, ALC helped me understand that teaching is more than a career. It is a form of servant leadership. I learned that some students come to school not just to learn, but to feel safe, valued, and loved. That realization strengthened my passion to be the kind of teacher who shows up for students in every way they need.”
While traveling down Purpose Road, Kamryn discovered a passion for serving others, especially Appalachian children, through education in order to make a lasting impact on their lives and the region. “I am called to teach, to lead with kindness, and to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and capable. ALC helped me recognize it, grow it, and walk confidently toward the life I was meant to live.”
When asked to describe Alice Lloyd College and her time here in one word, Kamryn answered, “home.” “I found a community here—not one defined by a place, but by the people who surrounded me. It’s a campus filled with love, encouragement, and belonging. Through these connections, I found friendships that shaped who I am today. If it wasn’t for this school, there is absolutely no way I would be where I am today.”
Kamryn wholeheartedly recommends ALC to any mountain student longing to find their purpose and become a servant leader in Appalachia. “It’s close to home and it feels like home. ALC is a small, close-knit community. You’ll build strong relationships not only with your classmates, but also with the faculty and staff who are taking every step of your journey with you.”
Kamryn says it was her faith that led her here, and she will always be grateful to God for helping her find a second home in the mountains. “I found so much joy in being at Alice Lloyd College—not only in the beauty of the campus, but in the people who make it so special. The love, kindness, and sense of community here are unlike anything I had experienced before. When I think of campus, I am always reminded of Psalm 16:11: ‘In His presence there is fullness of joy.’ That verse perfectly captures what ALC means to me.”
Kamryn extends her gratitude to the alumni who came before her and continue to support the College’s mission, as well as to friends across the nation who make dreams like hers possible.
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