To all returning readers, welcome back. To all new readers, welcome to Window to West Chester: a weekly segment covering those around campus with interesting stories to share.
“This is a new chapter in my life… something new, something positive.”
Kimberly Wederfoort is a third-year criminal justice major and information technology minor at West Chester University. Last semester, Wederfoort had the opportunity to take part in the DNA Discussion Project being led by West Chester’s own Professor Anita Foeman and co-sponsored by Ancestry.com. “Dr. Foeman told me that Ancestry was asking for people that would be interested in being interviewed by them. They set up an interview time and a pre-interview… they were really interested in my story, along with about 12 other people; maybe less. We had our tests expedited, so instead of results taking three months to come back to us, they only took three weeks. We did the reveals on camera… and I kept telling myself that whatever happens, I’m still me… I found out that I was so much more diverse than what I thought. I spent most of my life believing I was only Asian, but now I know I am so much more than that, and it has changed my perspective on education and the world as a whole.”
The results of this study caught eyes far beyond those of campus, with many participants of the study, Wederfoort included, being interviewed by national news sources such as NPR and CNN. In the near future, the participants of the study will be interviewed by National Geographic.
As we delved deeper into how this would change her perspective, she commented that these revelations about her DNA will undoubtedly influence her future career goals for the better. As a future FBI agent, she sees this understanding of her own racial identity as a crucial and pivotal asset, as it will help her be better able to aid those in need. As we drift further into a society that seems to be more divided by the day, we must remember our origins—rich and diverse as they are—and use them as a springboard to a better future.
Alexander Breth is a fourth-year English writings major. He can be reached at AB834895@wcupa.edu.