Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayanna Hensley.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Due to a teen pregnancy, I was born in Dodge City, Kansas. My mother did her best, but struggling with addiction as a teen mom came with unique setbacks. My mother and father often rotated “custody” when I was young, and because of this, I had attended five different schools by the time I was in second grade. I ended up in my father’s custody, beginning halfway through my second-grade year until my junior year of high school. Despite a couple of moves in the timeline-this brought greater consistency, and I began to enjoy school and became overly involved in various clubs, athletic teams, and activities. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I realized how dysfunctional my circumstances remained. After a disagreement at home, I was legally homeless at 17 years old. I was a full-time high school student and a full-time college student, and I continued to work at a local restaurant to afford bills, social life, and other living expenses. I can confidently say that this year was the most challenging year I have ever experienced. To make a long story short, I could get out of these circumstances and pursue a bachelor’s degree on a full-ride scholarship. In February 2019, I was awarded the Rudd Scholarship, which changed my life trajectory and education. I attended Fort Hays State University and received my B.S. in Biology, which led to my acceptance at Creighton University for Physician Assistant (PA) School. Miss Kansas came into my life during my first year of college. I now had time and the financial freedom to explore different passions. This became advocacy for at-risk youth and the ACEs curriculum. The Miss Kansas Organization and this advocacy became a healthy competition I enjoyed; it was for the greater good. I competed twice for the state title, and during the second year, on June 11th, I heard my name read as Miss Kansas 2022.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey to this point in life has rarely been “easy,” for lack of a better word. I have experienced homelessness, childhood neglect and abuse, exposure to addiction, and a dysfunctional family unit. I have gone through a lot to find the success I can attest to today, but I am still very grateful for the past I have lived. I would not be the woman I am today if it was not for some of the trials and tribulations I have overcome.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As Miss Kansas, my work is designed to serve others. I have been involved in various fundraisers, service projects, and community outreach. My versatility in this role stems from my community service initiative “ACEs Low: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences.” My favorite sector of my job is presenting to schools. After visiting with middle/high school students, I have found great feedback about finding stability in WHO they are amidst the chaos life will bring. This looks like healthy boundaries and continuing to mold their comfort zones, understanding who they aim to be and how to reach that goal, and that it is entirely okay to be still figuring those things out. I share my testimony to “level” myself with them. Sometimes these kids assume when I enter a room with a sparkly crown and sash that I have never known struggle, that I do not know what they go through to make it to tomorrow. Not many people are willing to share the complex parts of their lives to set an example for others. I am transparent beyond belief when young adults ask me the questions they need to hear in life. That is what has set me apart in this role and life. Your past did not break you. Instead, it allows you to build!
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
This changes year by year, but in most circumstances, it remains my faith. I can recognize that I would not be where I am today without my faith in God. Some days it keeps me going, and some days it’s how I celebrate success. It has become a huge piece of who I am, and as I progress in my career and overall life- I know it will remain so.
Contact Info:
- Website: misskansas.org
- Instagram: @missamericaks
- Facebook: @missamericaks
Image Credits
Rachael Lanier Photography – Professional Headshot, Miss Kansas Organization – all others
