Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Murray.
Hi kendall, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and grew up with a love for sports, especially volleyball. That passion led me to attend the University of Michigan, where I earned my bachelor’s degree while continuing to play the sport I loved.
Like a lot of people in their early twenties, I didn’t have everything figured out after college. I wasn’t completely sure what career path I wanted to pursue, but I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on others. That realization led me back to school to earn my master’s degree in Special Education.
During that time, I moved to New Jersey with my boyfriend, just outside of Manhattan. While completing my graduate program and student teaching, I also began pursuing modeling. Stepping into a completely different industry has been exciting, but it’s also taught me how much there is to learn. Modeling has challenged me to build confidence, adapt to new environments, and understand an industry that isn’t always as glamorous as it appears from the outside.
Today, I’m applying for online special education teaching positions while continuing to explore modeling and learn where that journey may lead. I’m also hoping to get back into playing volleyball because it’s always been a huge part of who I am.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to have your entire life figured out in your twenties. It’s okay for your path to change, to pursue multiple passions, and to be open to opportunities you never expected. I’m still writing my story, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been feeling pulled in several different directions. I have a passion for teaching, I’ve always loved volleyball, and I’ve also been pursuing modeling. At times, it feels like each path demands something different from me, and it can be difficult to figure out where to invest my time and energy.
Modeling has probably been the biggest adjustment because there are so many expectations and standards that can make you question yourself. It’s an industry that requires confidence, patience, and resilience, and I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. There are moments of self-doubt, rejection, and uncertainty, but those experiences have also helped me grow.
I’ve also realized that it’s impossible to do everything all at once. Learning to prioritize, be patient with myself, and accept that life doesn’t always follow a straight path has been one of the biggest lessons. Instead of feeling like I need to have every answer today, I’m learning to embrace the process and trust that the right opportunities will come at the right time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an educator, volleyball coach, and aspiring model who believes that growth happens when you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone.
My background is in special education, where I earned my master’s degree and developed a passion for helping students build confidence in themselves. I love creating environments where students feel supported, understood, and capable of achieving more than they thought possible. Whether I’m teaching in a classroom, coaching on the volleyball court, or mentoring one-on-one, my goal is always the same: to help people believe in themselves.
Outside of education, I’ve continued pursuing two other passions—volleyball and modeling. Volleyball has been a huge part of my life for years, and coaching has given me the opportunity to give back to the sport that shaped me. Modeling has challenged me in completely different ways, teaching me confidence, resilience, and how to embrace new opportunities while continuing to learn the industry.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve never been afraid to start over or chase something new. Whether it was returning to school for my master’s degree, moving across the country, or stepping into modeling with no prior experience, I’ve learned that growth comes from taking chances.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m comfortable being a beginner. I don’t pretend to have everything figured out, and I’m okay with being a lifelong learner. I hope that by sharing my journey, others—especially people in their twenties—realize they don’t have to fit into one box or have their entire future mapped out. It’s okay to pursue multiple passions, change directions, and keep growing along the way.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is my family, my friends, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. They keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters, no matter where life takes me.
Whether I’m teaching, coaching, or pursuing modeling, my goal is to inspire confidence and encourage others to believe in themselves. If I can make even a small positive impact on someone’s life, I consider that a success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendall.murray
