Against the Odds
When Kiersten Washington walks across the graduation stage this December, it will mark the end of a long, hard-fought journey — and the beginning of a career devoted to helping others overcome obstacles of their own.
Kiersten Washington watches her best friend, Morgan Lindsey, receive her nursing stole. Washington and Lindsey have been friends for a while; Washington often went over to Lindsey’s house when she was living with a roommate who wouldn’t clean up after herself, something Washington couldn’t stand.
Washington, a fifth-year senior majoring in elementary education, has faced challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. Living with cerebral palsy, and battling depression, anxiety and PTSD, Washington has defied the odds to reach this milestone.
“I didn’t think I was going to make it to 23, the 18-year-old me would be shocked — I never thought I’d be here.”
Kiersten waits outside the DSU auditorium after her friend Morgan Lindsey was awarded a nursing stole.
Kiersten hugs one of her good friends, Annie Finch. Washington met Finch during her time working with the Student Government Association.
For Washington, education is more than a career choice; it is a mission. As a disabled woman and a former student with an individualized education plan, Washington understands firsthand the importance of advocating for every child’s right to an equitable, inclusive education.
Kiersten Washington struggles to tighten the front basket on her mobility scooter.
“I want to make sure every kid, no matter their background, has the opportunity to learn and have fun,” Washington said. “Learning isn’t just about getting the right answer — it’s about creativity, discovery and allowing space for mistakes.”
Kiersten Washington tries to prevent the elevator doors from closing as she exits at Western Kentucky University. Washington, who often enters facing forward, sometimes has difficulty maneuvering out in time. “You just have to give yourself some grace — it’s going to be hard, but you keep going,” she said.
Kiersten Washington opens the door to her apartment in the Kentucky Street Apartments. Washington, lives in a handicap-accessible unit to better accommodate her mobility needs, balances school, work and daily life while preparing for graduation next fall.
Washington credits much of this passion to her late grandmother, an educator who inspired her commitment to students and family alike. But the journey to becoming an advocate and future counselor was anything but smooth.
During her freshman year, Washington hit rock bottom, struggling under the weight of mental health challenges and self-doubt. “People thought I had a perfect life,” Washington said. “But they didn’t know what I was going through inside.”
Kiersten Washington sips coffee before taking her final exam for her supernatural folklore class.
Over time, Washington began to build a support system — trusted friends, mentors and eventually a therapist — that helped her begin the long process of healing. Therapy, Washington said, became a lifeline. “I had to learn you can’t just shove your emotions down,” she said. “You have to let yourself feel them, notice them and breathe through them.”
Today, Washington is not only preparing to graduate, but also thriving as a campus leader. She has taken on roles in student government, written legislation, and built meaningful relationships across campus. “In high school, you couldn’t have paid me to be in student government,” Washington said with a laugh. “Now I show up to every meeting, ready to work.”
Looking back, Washington said one of her biggest personal breakthroughs has been learning to stop worrying about what others think. “You have to remove toxic people from your life,” she said. “The people who are in your corner want to see you win. And at the end of the day, the only opinion that really matters is your own.”
A student opens the door for Kiersten Washington as she exits Downing Student Union at Western Kentucky University.
Washington, a fifth-year senior majoring in elementary education, has faced challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. Living with cerebral palsy, and battling depression, anxiety and PTSD, Washington has defied the odds to reach this milestone.
“I didn’t think I was going to make it to 23, the 18-year-old me would be shocked — I never thought I’d be here.”
For Washington, education is more than a career choice; it is a mission. As a disabled woman and a former student with an individualized education plan, Washington understands firsthand the importance of advocating for every child’s right to an equitable, inclusive education.
“I want to make sure every kid, no matter their background, has the opportunity to learn and have fun,” Washington said. “Learning isn’t just about getting the right answer — it’s about creativity, discovery and allowing space for mistakes.”
Washington credits much of this passion to her late grandmother, an educator who inspired her commitment to students and family alike. But the journey to becoming an advocate and future counselor was anything but smooth.
During her freshman year, Washington hit rock bottom, struggling under the weight of mental health challenges and self-doubt. “People thought I had a perfect life,” Washington said. “But they didn’t know what I was going through inside.”
Over time, Washington began to build a support system — trusted friends, mentors and eventually a therapist — that helped her begin the long process of healing. Therapy, Washington said, became a lifeline. “I had to learn you can’t just shove your emotions down,” she said. “You have to let yourself feel them, notice them and breathe through them.”
Today, Washington is not only preparing to graduate, but also thriving as a campus leader. She has taken on roles in student government, written legislation, and built meaningful relationships across campus. “In high school, you couldn’t have paid me to be in student government,” Washington said with a laugh. “Now I show up to every meeting, ready to work.”
Looking back, Washington said one of her biggest personal breakthroughs has been learning to stop worrying about what others think. “You have to remove toxic people from your life,” she said. “The people who are in your corner want to see you win. And at the end of the day, the only opinion that really matters is your own.”
Washington’s goals for the future are simple but powerful: earn her bachelor’s degree, pursue advanced education or certifications, make a meaningful impact on her future students, and give back to the parents who supported her journey. “They worked so hard to help me get here,” she said. “I want to help them, even if it’s just in small ways.”
For Washington, graduation is not just a celebration of academic achievement — it is a symbol of survival, growth and hope. “I’ve lived a lot,” she said. “And I’m still here. I’m still doing it. And that feels pretty amazing.”
For Washington, graduation is not just a celebration of academic achievement — it is a symbol of survival, growth and hope. “I’ve lived a lot,” she said. “And I’m still here. I’m still doing it. And that feels pretty amazing.”