Kasi Lacey

I have several identities that are not always known by people during their first encounter with me. First I am a proud Texan and definitely miss home at times, especially in the cold weather because I hate the snow. My second identity is that I am bi-racial, with my mother being Caucasian and father being African-American. I have three older half-siblings, and one younger brother who is also bi-racial, but his racial identity is more visibly apparent. Given my appearance, my bi-racial identity is something that most people do not know about me and it is assumed that I am Caucasian; which unfortunately throughout my life has led to people not knowingly sharing, disparaging racial remarks, or even questions about my father being my “real” father. I am very grateful for my life experiences and would not change a thing and I truly appreciate that I have a family that celebrates diversity. Another part of my identity that shaped who I am today, is that I moved out on my own when I was 16 and have supported myself since then. I graduated high school at 17 and then went to Austin College, a small liberal arts college, for my undergraduate degree, and finished my PhD in Counseling Psychology at Texas Tech University at the age of 26. I have always been self-driven and feel that my identity as a woman has only made me stronger and more motivated. I am fortunate to come from a family that always told me that I could do whatever I wanted, which lately has included my recent obsession with Crossfit. My hopes are that I can be a source of support for students here on campus and encourage them to pursue their dreams and embrace all their identities.