Ohio – Kathleen O’Donnell

Hello, my name is Kathleen O’Donnell and I am excited to share this experience with you! For my 22 years in this beautiful world, I have lived in Cincinnati, Ohio with my two loving parents, two rambunctious brothers, and our ditzy yet adorable dog Daisy. My ancestry comes mainly from County Donegal and Connaught on my father’s side of the family. Cincinnati has been a wonderful city to grow up in. As it happens, I have been going to school on the same street since 7th grade. I discovered my love for ballet when I was 13 years old. I pursued a professional dance career for seven years, and studied ballet under University of Cincinnati’s prestigious dance program for one year. However, by that point I had developed a persistent and painful ankle condition. The injury became unbearable, and I was forced to reconsider my career plans. I decided to pursue a degree in middle school education in math and science, and am now in my last year of study. I will take on the role of Student Teacher less than a week after this Festival concludes; I am very eager to meet my 8th grade science class. I have always lead an active and busy life, occupying my free time with hobbies like (hula) hoop dancing, attending music festivals, canoeing, painting, reading, and playing games with friends. Hooping in particular has become another passion in my life. After my ankle injury, I found a hoop and started learning the flow art using YouTube, despite being limited to one foot. Fast forward four years, and I have performed my hoop dance in six states. I dream of sharing it with the world! Since I grew up with two older brothers, I am looking forward to finally having a sisterhood through the Rose of Tralee.