Beyond the court: The inspiring leadership journey of Kylah Carter
Kylah Carter shares about how she's fulfilling her purpose at Bethel through involvement in DIVCO and volleyball.
Diversity Council, most commonly known as DIVCO on campus, has had a prominent presence at Bethel College since its establishment in 2019. The club was founded with the dual aim of fostering student engagement on campus and promoting diversity within the Bethel community.
Leading the club this year are co-presidents Dayshaira Wilkes, a sophomore from St. Louis, Mo. and Kylah Carter, a senior from Houston, Texas.
Carter’s association with DIVCO began when she transferred to Bethel from Missouri Southern State University. Reflecting on her decision, she stated, “I joined DIVCO shortly after transferring to Bethel just as a way of meeting new people.”
Carter expressed her aspirations for building meaningful relationships within the community. Recently, DIVCO initiated the "Helping Hands" project, crafting care packages delivered to three centers in the North Newton area, including the New Hope Shelter.
“I have a great passion to create connections with all types of people and be able to contribute to something greater than me.”
Kylah Carter
“I have a great passion to create connections with all types of people and be able to contribute to something greater than me,” emphasized Carter. Her impact extends beyond the community, with her involvement in organizing and leading a Chapel service for Black History Month in February. Carter considers this event among her favorites this year.
"I loved this event so much because it offered not only educational insights into Black History but also provided a unique Chapel experience that we hadn't seen before," said Carter.
Events of this nature, she hopes, can help establish an inclusive and educational space for students. “Anytime we can offer a space of relatability and appreciation for minority groups are moments that contribute to closing the gap at predominantly white institutions.”
Maria Cortez, a sophomore DIVCO member from Freeman, S.D., echoed Carter's goals for the club and commended her leadership. “I think she has always had really good leadership qualities and you can see that as our DIVCO co-president. She knows when it’s time to get to business and keep us in line, but she also is great at having fun.”
But Carter's impact at Bethel goes beyond her role in DIVCO; it extends to the volleyball court. “Playing volleyball at Bethel reminded me why I love the sport so much,” shared Carter, “It’s so exciting to watch the team grow and to be a part of the success that we’ve had over the past two seasons.”
Freshman Cameron Offerle from Offerle, echoed the sentiment, praising Carter's leadership on and off the court. “Kylah is an amazing teammate and a great friend of the court,” Offerle remarked. “Her leadership on our team was very important to our success this past season and I am so excited she will be coming back next year to play her fifth year.”
Carter’s accolades extend beyond her athletic achievements, as she was selected for the All-KCAC first team and led the team in kills this season. Additionally, she was recognized as an All-KCAC Scholar-Athlete, showcasing her commitment to excellence both academically and athletically.
“I am more than a student-athlete and student leadership on campus is just another way that I feel I am fulfilling my purpose.”
Kylah Carter
“Balancing school, volleyball, and DIVCO definitely keeps my schedule busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Carter — who emphasized that feeling fulfilled comes from more than just her athletic or academic performances. “I am more than a student-athlete and student leadership on campus is just another way that I feel I am fulfilling my purpose.”
Post-Bethel, Carter has her options open. As a biochemistry major, Carter hopes to move into the workforce, potentially in the pharmaceutical industry, while also keeping in mind the possibility of coaching volleyball.