Kennedy's Story

I was raised in a single-parent household by a strong, resilient mother who always told me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Growing up, I watched her example of hard work and believed her words of encouragement. Mothers have a way of writing words on our hearts. The words she carved into mine were, “I Can.”

 

That phrase has been the catalyst by which I’ve achieved every major goal I have set in my life. Whether it was starting my own non-profit organization and delivering thousands of books to children’s hospitals, writing a children’s book of my own to inspire kids, founding the Student Philanthropy Board at the University of Kentucky, or earning early acceptance into medical school, the words “I Can” have been essential. Not only have these words helped me achieve goals, but they’ve also helped me impact my community.

 

I want to share the words “I Can” and the lessons I’ve learned along the way with young people around the world. I believe empowering our youth with the tools to achieve their dreams, overcome obstacles, and believe in their ability to make a difference in the world, will ultimately change the world. I CAN is an acronym:

Inspire, Cultivate, Affirm, and Never-Give-Up.

 

To inspire children, I created an interactive video curriculum for elementary students.  It’s being launched in classrooms across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education and Office of the Lieutenant Governor, I created a masterclass that will help students learn to set goals, create a plan to reach those goals, overcome adversity along the way, and believe in their ability to positively impact the world. Classrooms that participate in this interactive curriculum earn a certificate with the Governor’s seal, recognizing their participation in the program.

 

Cultivate is a critical part of the ICAN initiative because literacy and education are the gateways to achievement. Knowing this, I wrote a children’s book entitled, “I Can.” The storyline is designed to empower children, activate their imaginations, and spark a love for reading. Every child who participates in the ICAN program goes home with a free copy. My goal is to put thousands of books into the hands of children across Kentucky. Promoting education is an important part of the ICAN program.  I am proud to report the program will soon be offering scholarships to students who write compelling essays, detailing their own stories of ICAN-achievement.

 

Affirm is the third part of ICAN. I have created an online community where students, teachers, and other individuals can share stories of achievement, and connect with others who encourage and inspire.  The website and social media presence for this movement are called Kentucky Can. I believe the world needs positive news, and that we can do more together than apart.

 

The final pillar in ICAN is Never-Give-Up. People need to know that their lives, dreams, and voices matter. In the words of pediatrician and professor of pediatrics, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, “Young people will be resilient when the important adults in their lives believe in them unconditionally and hold them to high expectations.” Through this initiative and the job of Miss Kentucky and Miss America, I believe I CAN impact millions of young lives.  

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-Kennedy Sabharwal, ICAN Founder