Meet Ken

Ken Meyer

Hometown:
Randolph, New Jersey

Autobiography Title:
Laughing at My Own Jokes: No One Else Will

During my high school years, I learned to play the marimba with four mallets, backpacked in the New Mexican wilderness, and managed a local political campaign. But more importantly, I learned to read hair dye bottles before using them to check if they will permanently dye hair pink.

My greatest accomplishments? Becoming a state champion at Impromptu Speaking and becoming an Eagle Scout. Working extensively with Forensic Speaking and with the Scouting organization gave me opportunities to manage teams, to make lifelong friendships and -- most importantly -- to teach others the skills I had learned.

My biggest challenge has simply been living — managing my schedule along with those of teams, clubs, parents in two houses and 681 Facebook friends.

Wake Forest offers what I'm looking for in my education. When I began my college search, I turned first to universities with highly regarded political science departments. As I worked to narrow the field, I examined professors' research, music departments, debate teams, student governments, student publications and social lives. As I delved deeper into Wake Forest, I found everything matched or exceeded what I desired in a college. I'm receiving the Graylyn Scholarship and the Guy and Clara Carswell Scholarship.

I'd like to major in political science and minor in international studies. National and global political maneuvering truly fascinates me, and I can't wait to begin examining those subjects in detail. If I weren't going to college, I would join the staff of a political campaign. My vision is to become a political operative on a national stage, to manage a national campaign and to be the chief of staff to a high-powered politician.

I'm excited to begin making new connections and friends, and to begin building a foundation for the rest of my life.

— Office of Communications and External Relations
Aug. 26, 2009