Finding Greatness: Kanaiya Cornelius

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Thursday, July 30, 2026 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Computing | Students | Pressroom | Finding Greatness

Macon, GA

Placeholder
MGA biology major Kanaiya Cornelius

Kanaiya Cornelius has made the most of her time at Middle Georgia State University by embracing opportunities to lead, serve, and grow. She challenges herself through leadership, service, and campus involvement while preparing for a future in microbiology or medical laboratory science.

  • Major: Biology
  • Activities: SGA marketing & public relations coordinator, iLEAD peer educator, CCLD marketing student assistant, and former Knight Ambassador
  • Expected Graduation: December 2027
  • Career Goal: Licensed medical laboratory scientist or microbiologist

What motivates you?

Even on the hardest days, I'm motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, no matter how big or small. Whether it's welcoming or mentoring a student, leading a project, helping a classmate find a campus resource or working behind the scenes on an initiative that improves the student's experience, I enjoy leaving people and places better than I found them. I’ve learned that saying "yes" to opportunities challenge me, and they've consistently led to some of the most rewarding experiences of my college career.

What’s one word friends/family would use to describe you?

My family and friends have always called me an "Eager Beaver." It's an endearing nickname that's stuck with me because I genuinely get excited about learning, helping others, and doing new things. I try to be intentional with the way I lead, the relationships I build, and the opportunities I pursue. If I commit to something, I want people to know they'll get my full effort and that I'm euthanistic about it. I’d like to argue I'm an “Intentional Eager Beaver” if nothing else!

What’s something you’re proud of during your time at MGA?

I'm most proud of how I've grown by pursuing things outside of my comfort zone and outside the classroom. Through welcoming future Knights as a Knight Ambassador, getting involved in Student Life, working in marketing, participating in leadership programs, and advocating for students in the Student Government Association, I've discovered strengths I never knew I had. I've built meaningful connections across the university and these experiences and the relationships they've fostered have shaped me just as much as my biology coursework.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

One of my biggest challenges has been learning to believe I belonged in the opportunities I was given. Early on, I often questioned whether I was qualified enough to step into leadership roles or represent the University. Looking back, I realize confidence didn't come before the opportunity. It initially came because someone saw potential in me before I fully saw it myself. It grew from accepting the challenges and believing that I had been given them for a reason. Every experience taught me something new and reminded me that growth begins the moment you're willing to trust yourself as much as others have trusted you.

What does “finding greatness” mean to you? 
 
To me, finding greatness means becoming the best version of myself through service, curiosity, and courage. It's not about collecting titles, achievements, or power. Greatness is using your talents to encourage someone else, solve a problem, or help people discover opportunities they may not have recognized for themselves. It's about being willing to grow through every opportunity you're given. I know I am doing what I am meant to do when I am connecting with others, sharing knowledge, and helping people discover possibilities they didn't know were available to them.

What’s next for you after MGA?

After graduating from MGA, I plan to pursue a career in microbiology or medical laboratory science, where I can contribute to accurate diagnoses and better patient care while satisfying the curiosity that first drew me to biology. At the same time, MGA has taught me that some of the most meaningful opportunities are the ones you never see coming. I came here with a plan to study biology, but I never imagined I'd discover a love for leadership, public speaking, marketing, and serving my community.

While science is the path I'm excited to pursue, I'm no longer afraid of the unknown. I know there will be opportunities I can't predict today, and I'm looking forward to embracing them with the same curiosity and courage that MGA has encouraged in me. For me, success isn't reaching one final destination. It's a lifelong commitment to becoming more capable, compassionate, and courageous, and then using that growth to serve others wherever life leads.