Mikayla Knizevski is making a Difference on the Map

Mikayla Knizevski pictured above with little girl, Namuron in 2013 

on a mission trip to Turkana Kenya

Whether she is here in the U.S. or just below in Nicaragua, College of Charleston junior Mikayla Knizevski is making a difference in the lives of victimized individuals, wherever she is on the map.

 Due to the low number of safe houses in our country, not to mention the world as a whole, Knizevski is determined to use her passion to increase this low number. Safe houses are a place for victims of sex trafficking to recover and, as Knizevski says, “get back on their feet.”

It started back when Charleston native Knizevski was just in 8^th grade. Not even in high school yet and her passion to travel out of the country was out of this world. Persistency was key, as Knizevski would visit the office of her church everyday begging to be a part of the mission trip heading to Nicaragua. “Most of the people were graduating high school, and I hadn’t even started yet,” Knizevski said. “I was the baby of the trip.” 

Knizevski in Los Cedros, Nicaragua 2009 (above)

President McConnell is already making slam dunks to preserve the 'flagship institution' of the College of Charleston

Since taking office July 1, 2014, President Glenn McConnell of the College of Charleston seems to have his hands full with controversies, new ideas and decision making all trying to build his alma mater into what he calls a "flagship institution." Four main areas President McConnell has dabbled in include 1) hiring a new basketball coach, 2) deciding what to do with the proposed merger with MUSC, 3) his 10 percent concept, and 4) giving up his position as lieutenant governor. In a recent interview with journalist Quintin Washington, President McConnell addressed these topics and gave his personal account regarding these ongoing and past subjects. 

Quintin Washington sits down with President McConnell
to discuss events that have shaped his
presidency thus far (courtesy of Youtube)

Topic #1: The College of Charleston's Basketball Head Coach Headache  

It was President McConnell's first day on the job. He had a list in his hand of all he wanted to get accomplished and saw the day being a productive one. However, it was not long after he sat down for the first time at his desk that his plans quickly changed. 

McConnell had received word that the basketball team had requested to meet with him. He did not hesitate to answer this call of request for it has become known the president’s passion for some athletic teams at The College. (Within the interview alone the president repeatedly mentioned the basketball team even when the topic was no longer focused on it).

It was refreshing to hear President McConnell not harp on the controversial topic of firing ex-head basketball coach Doug Wojcik. But instead, McConnell has his focus on a stronger future with the hiring of new head coach Earl Grant. He sees The College moving forward with no “anchors” from the past holding the institution down. 

With this forward movement, the question arose of whether there is confidence in Athletic Director Joe Hall to handle such movement. “We are going to be doing things a little bit differently this coming year," said President McConnell. "But that’s not a lack of confidence in anybody, it’s that we have a changed set of circumstances.” This leaves a question hanging over everyone’s heads of whether or not we will see Mr. Hall walking the halls of TD Arena within the coming year.

Walking to the Beat of Footsteps

On Saturday, Sept. 27 families, friends, teammates, and survivors gathered in Liberty Square in Charleston, S.C. to participate in the Lowcountry's 2014 Heart Walk. Sponsored by the American Heart Association, this three-mile walk is held to raise money and awareness for those who have survived, suffered, or even lost his/her life to cardiovascular disease. (Click here for route map)

The donations go toward providing the highest research for doctors to utilize to become one step closer to finding the prevention for this No. 1 killer of Americans. The funds also aid in providing information for those who are unaware of the significance this disease plays in our daily lives. 

In opening ceremonies, an American Heart Association representative recognized some of the largest donors who, he stated, "help raise funds to further research in our community." Donations are still being accepted through Nov. 7, 2014 from the Charleston walk.