BENJAMIN KANAGY

Benjamin Kanagy of Trinity Academy was selected as a Lifelong Learning Scholar in 2021. His parents are Pam and Nathan Kanagy, and his siblings are Gabrielle and Graham Kanagy.

Ben currently attends two colleges: Kansas State University and Manhattan Christian College. At K-State, Ben majors in Psychology. Passionate about helping people and fascinated with the beauty and complexity of the human experience, he plans to pursue a career in Clinical/Counseling Psychology. To complement his studies in psychology, Ben also takes courses in philosophy, biology, and trauma studies. At Manhattan Christian College, Ben studies Biblical Literature and Theology, seeking either an associates or bachelors degree from the institution. Unsure of where this will lead him, Ben’s primary motivation for pursuing this path is pure interest in the material. “The Biblical Studies is really more of a personal interest. I don’t know where it will take me, although I think I’d love to write or teach someday.”

During high school, Ben was highly involved in the Wichita music scene by leading worship nights throughout the city, playing guitar in his high school’s jazz band, and writing and recording music with his own band. After taking up guitar and piano at a young age, Ben has continued to expand his musical skills by learning new instruments and playing in different contexts. He loves how music brings people together, as he has formed many of his closest and most formative relationships through it. Ben is still involved in music, primarily through his band, Cardinal Lane. The band began releasing music to streaming platforms and playing shows in the fall of 2019, and have continued to, despite now being long-distance. The project has since caused Ben to grow in his songwriting abilities and sparked his interest in music production.

On his college campus, Ben is a member of Farmhouse Fraternity, where he has made many close friends and engages his community by serving as the house’s Assistant Community Service and Philanthropy Chair. He is also involved in multiple campus organizations such as the Couples & Family Therapy Club, a collection of students and professionals who discuss different topics within the field of Family Therapy. “It has been a great opportunity to meet like-minded students and learn much more about a field I’m interested in pursuing,” he says. Ben also hopes to become involved in research during the upcoming semester.

For Ben, learning isn’t confined to his educational institutions. In his free time, Ben loves reading and studying a variety of topics. Anything philosophy, theology, apologetics, psychology or politics sparks his interest. Additionally, engaging with others in conversations about life, meaning, and self-reflection has proven to be incredibly life-giving. “I firmly believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all the people I have interacted with along the way. Encountering people of diverse experiences, personalities, and beliefs is vital to becoming a well-rounded learner— and person in general.”

Ben is set on lifelong learning and looks forward to a life of adventures, challenges, and new experiences. He dreams of meeting new people, exploring the world, and impacting others in a unique, authentic way. Ben is honored to be chosen to be a part of Timothy’s legacy and is very thankful for the opportunities and community given to him by the foundation.