Our people: Grad looks to future: law enforcement, chemistry

Kaylynn Belew was in Denver recently for events related to the Daniels Scholarship Program. She is among about 20 New Mexico graduating seniors this year awarded the honor.

She said one interesting aspect of the event was attending an etiquette class.

"We learned when you put your knife down on your plate, face the blade toward yourself. It's a historical rule; if you faced your blade toward someone else, it was perceived as a threat to them," Belew said.

The News caught up to her in a telephone interview while she was in Denver International Airport waiting for her flight back to New Mexico. She was enjoying chicken nuggets, fries and a drink.

Q: Where were you born?

A: I was born in Clovis. Not long after I was born we moved to Cañon City, Colorado.

When I was 6, we moved to Portales.

Q: Tell us about growing up in Portales.

A: I like the small community, I like the size of Portales.

For instance at Portales High you had a lot of opportunities but still had a sense of community.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My mom is Heather Cochrain. She's a single mom.

When I was 13, I moved in with my grandparents Paul and Sheri Lough.

I have a younger brother, Knox Belew. He's an incoming junior at Portales High.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I always wanted to be a baker. I wanted to own my own bakery in France.

I really wanted to decorate cakes. I love the artistry of that.

My favorite flavor is red velvet.

When I told my grandma I wanted to be a baker, she said I probably shouldn't because bakers have to get up early, and I am not a morning person.

Q: So you've graduated. What are your plans now?

A: I will be going to Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, to study criminal justice and chemistry.

I intend to get my master's in forensic chemistry at Sam Houston State University.

Q: Tell us about this national award, The Daniels Scholarship. What does it mean to you?

A: It means I don't have to pay for college. I don't have a financial burden any longer.

I'm very thankful for it.

When I found out, I was at track practice. I sat there and cried for a little bit.

Q: When you are done with college what career do you want?

A: I want to be either a forensic scientist or a crime scene investigator.

I've always had a passion for criminal justice, I love the field.

Along with that I love science and math. I wanted to combine the two.

Q: What's the strangest thing you've ever seen?

A: It was actually at the Albuquerque airport.

Someone actually brought a pet ferret into the airport.

It was on a leash and it had a little vest on. It was walking around in circles, just walking around.

I'd never seen a pet ferret in an airport.

Q: What's your favorite food?

A: Chicken Alfredo. I like the traditional recipe, but I had a Cajun Chicken Alfredo in Houston, and it was really good.

Q: Is there a place where you want to go in the future?

A: I've always wanted to go to Europe.

I've always been fascinated by World War II, so I want to go see the beaches at Normandy and the other historical sights.

Q: What was the first concert you attended?

A: It was when I was in fifth grade and I went to Dallas and saw Pentatonix. They're an acapella group.

I loved it.

To this day it's the largest concert I've even been to.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: Definitely both my grandparents, Paul and Sheri Lough, because they faced challenges in their early life but they persevered through it and never gave up on their dreams.

Q: If you could put one thought into the mind of every single person on the planet, what would it be?

A: Don't give up on your dreams. If you want to do it and you have the drive, you can accomplish your dreams.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote, saying, or Bible verse?

A: I have a favorite Bible verse.

I love this so much it is actually tattooed on my right arm.

Romans 8:18 ... "The pain you've been feeling is nothing compared to the joy that's coming."