Defying expectations: Kayla Cox turns life experience into classroom impact

For Kayla Cox, graduating from University of South Carolina Aiken isn’t just the end of a college journey; it’s the culmination of a bold decision to start over and pursue a calling rooted in purpose, resilience, and passion.

As a non-traditional student and career changer, Cox is earning her bachelor's degree in secondary education with a concentration in English at 6 p.m. May 6 in the Convocation Center.

Before stepping into the classroom, she spent more than 15 years in retail management, holding leadership roles with companies like Books-A-Million, Kmart, and Toys “R” Us. However, after experiencing a personal loss within her family, her path in retail took a turn.

“We lost my sister to cancer, and it really makes you think about what you want to do with the rest of your life,” Sandy said. “I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go back and do what I felt called to do.”

That calling led her to education, a field that, in many ways, was already a part of her life.  With a mother who is a teacher and parents who met through a teacher preparation program, Cox describes teaching as “in my blood.”

Since entering the teaching program at USCA, she has immersed herself fully in the experience. This semester, she has been interning full-time at Aiken High School, teaching English 4 College Prep and dual enrollment English 102 courses. It’s a demanding role; one she stepped into daily since the beginning of this year, but one she has embraced wholeheartedly. Her students, she says, make it all worthwhile.

“They’re so passionate and inquisitive. They ask the best questions,” Cox said. “They’ll make you stop and think in ways you never expected.”

Cox recalls a classroom discussion on Frankenstein when a student posed a philosophical question.

“When we were reading the novel, one student asked if the creature would understand death differently since he had been dead before. I had never thought about it that way. They really make you think, and they give me a lot of hope for the future.”

Moments like that, Cox says, reaffirm her decision to teach.

Cox’s approach to the classroom reflects both her academic training and her real-world experience. She balances traditional writing instruction with modern, creative assignments, like podcasts and digital book talks, designed to engage different learning styles and give students new ways to express their ideas.

“I think it gives students a real chance to show what they know in a way that’s comfortable for them,” she said.

Her ability to connect with students and translate skills across careers has not gone unnoticed. Back in March, she was named USCA’s Outstanding Student in Secondary Education, a recognition she will formally receive just days before graduation.

Beyond the classroom, Cox has also contributed to campus life as a Writing Center consultant, helping fellow students strengthen their communication skills, which she believes is essential for success in any field.

“Being able to advocate for yourself, whether speaking or writing, is so important,” she said.

Her résumé reflects a deep commitment not only to teaching, but to the profession as a whole. She is an active member of several organizations, including the National Education Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the International Literacy Association. She has also dedicated time to her community through volunteer work, serving as a PTSO president and coordinating efforts with Friends of the Aiken Shelter.

Balancing school, family, and career has not been easy. As a wife and mother to Aidan Cox  a freshman computer science major, who's also attending USCA alongside her, Cox has navigated the challenges of returning to college later in life with determination and support from her family.

“There were moments when I was cooking dinner, listening to a book for class, and trying to keep everything going at once,” she said. “But my family has been incredibly supportive through it all.”

Looking ahead, Cox hopes to continue teaching in the Aiken area, where she and her family have lived for the past decade. While she awaits word on future opportunities, her focus remains on making a lasting impact in the classroom.

Inspired by historical figures such as Prudence Crandall, an American school teacher and activist, Cox carries a strong sense of purpose into her work.

“One of my favorite quotes is, ‘These are my convictions. What shall I do with them?’” she said. “I feel like USCA’s School of Education has given me the tools to live out those convictions and help my students build a better world.”

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