Kelly applied to be on The Amazing Race because she wanted to win! "I am very competitive," she says.
She most enjoyed driving the double decker bus in London and racing a camel in India, and Africa stands out as her very favorite destination. She says that "visiting the orphanage in Soweto, Africa was very special. The way the children cheered for us as we ran in still plays over and over in my head. At that point in the Race, I changed my focus. I had been so wrapped up in winning, but seeing the children brought me back to reality and reminded me there is more to life than winning the Race."
Kelly has given a lot of thought to other racers she would have liked to team with on the Race. "I think I would be a great match with Ray (TAR7) because he and I are extremely focused and competitive and we will fight until the end. Plus we could have handled each other's aggressive personalities when it comes to competition! I also think I would do well with Rob (TAR7), because he is good at manipulation, outsmarting and outwitting people, without thinking twice about people's feelings (in competition only!). I don't have that ability, so with him on my side, I could play dirty!"
"I have always admired Chip and Kim (TAR5) for the way they played the game. I think they are a fine example of racing with integrity! I admire Charla (TAR5) as well, because she has shown the world that people who are ‘different' are just as capable as anyone else! Gretchen and Meredith (TAR7) showed everyone that no matter your age, anything is possible! Uchenna and Joyce showed everyone that love conquers all! Of course, the Hippies (TAR9), Lynn and Alex (TAR7) and Greg and Brian (TAR7), to me, were the most fun to watch!"
Kelly's time on the Race opened her eyes to the rest of the world. "I had never been outside the USA prior to the Race, so seeing other countries, cultures, and lifestyles made me appreciate even more how thankful and proud I am to be an American. In addition, participating in all of the production interviews before, during, and after the Race also had an impact on me. It was almost like a self-improvement program! While going through the various interview processes, I learned so much about myself.....things I didn't like, strengths I have, things I could improve on, etc...so I was able to take all those things and now apply them to the ‘race of life.' I definitely think I am a changed person because of my experience."
Like so many of her fellow Racers, Kelly would run the Race again "in a heartbeat!" But, "I would like to change partners and do it with my husband or brother. I really think my brother and I could win! But if I had my choice of another racer, it would be Ray (TAR7)."
"Even though I didn't win a million dollars, I feel like I won in so many ways. I am so thankful for the friendships, the things I learned about myself, the opportunity to see the world, and the chance to take my Race experience and impact my community in a positive way. If you ever question whether or not you should apply....GO FOR IT!"
Since her time on the Race, Kelly has been very busy. She has devoted herself to raising money for the Calvary Children's Home in Anderson, SC, in order to build a cottage dedicated to the memory her dear friend Leslie Mazzarra, who was murdered. Her primary means of raising money is the annual Rai$ing Race, which enables participants to take part in an Amazing Race-like experience.
In addition to her fund-raising duties, Kelly works as a Alumni Affairs Director for North Greenville University, and was married on May 6, 2006 to Dr. Scott Parkison. She hopes to start a family very soon. In the meantime, she and her husband and their Yorkie puppy Samson make their home in Greer, SC. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys dance and public speaking, and describes herself as "honest, persistent, and spiritual."
