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The Making of Makenna
From a young age, my parents taught me the importance of striving to become the best version of myself. This philosophy applied to my academic, athletic, and personal life. I attribute my best qualities as stemming from the lessons they taught me on hard work, passion, and courage. In my professional life, I display these qualities in skills such as being a dedicated worker, finding my purpose in every task I complete, facing hardships head-on, and refusing to go down without a fight.
Flashback 11 years ago to imagine an eight-year old, four-foot-nothing Makenna running laps around her neighborhood. I was lucky to have gotten an early start to running. I have met so many people, traveled to amazing places, and have experiences once in a lifetime moments thanks to this sport. I was lucky enough to be coached by my dad throughout high school. This provided a higher level of comfort and connection to the sport for me. What started out as mile races in fourth grade quickly turned into middle school, high school, and now collegiate races. I was able to coach a little kid's running club my senior year, and was inspired to coach after I complete graduate school. If someone would have told me 11 years ago that I would be competing at the highest amateur level, I would have laughed and run along. However, running has grown and matured with me just as I have over the years. Before coming to college, I viewed running simply as my sport. I would go to practice and compete at races, however I didn't have that spark for the sport. That fire was shortly ignited as I stepped into the collegiate level. I developed a new relationship with the sport; one that is filled with trials and triumphs. My perspective change on this sport opened my eyes to the importance of exercise and physical activity in a person's life. Aside from the various physiological benefits of exercise, the psychological benefits may be one of the strongest motivators that keeps me running, literally, back to the sport. As I always tell people, running is free therapy. It makes me feel most alive. I hope to share this passion with others by helping to rehabilitate them back to health so they can partake in whatever activity brings them this similar sense of joy. As I became more passionate about running, I began to realize I had a true interest in this area of study and began to seek out ways I could incorporate my love for exercise into my career. Exercise Science perfectly complements my interests and allows me to practically apply my passions to my profession.This past year has been one of the most trying times of my life. I was diagnosed with a femoral stress fracture in September 2021 and was diagnosed with a sacral stress fracture in March 2022. Injuries are the true test of an athlete's perseverance and strength. However frustrated I may be from the injuries I have incurred and the time I have spent away from running, I am thankful for all I have learned. I say this because I have been able to take a change of perspective on how I was handling my training and fueling. Noticing the changes I needed to make, I am able to help others in the future. I have also interacted with various health care professionals that have been assisting me back to full health. I realize how important it is to use one's skills to improve the lives of others, and I aspire to do the same in the future. This is a leading factor into my decision to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and a career in the field of physical therapy!
From a Hobby to a Passion
I was salutatorian of my graduating class!
6th grade cross country!
Meeting Olympian Alexis Pappas!
Racing the 10K at Horizon League Conference!
Coaching my little runners!
I was really lucky growing up to have been blessed with such great role models as parents. My mom and dad show me how to become a better person through their actions. My mom is a physical therapist for my hometown school corporation and is an important influence on why I became interested in pursing physical therapy. I shadowed her the summer before starting my sophomore year at IUPUI. I watched her work with a diverse population of children of varying ages. She would provide therapy to these children and, although they did not really understand the importance at the time, they would look happier than the did before she worked with them. It was not until I was able to experience her in action that I realized the potential I have to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Physical therapy is an ideal career path for me because I am able to combine my love for medicine and health with my passion for exercise and movement.
A Mother and Mentor Package Deal
Dancing for a Cause
I have been involved with Dance Marathon since my sophomore year of high school. It is a philanthropic organization that fundraises year-round to raise monetary funds directed towards research at other accommodations Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. Through my time in Dance Marathon, I have developed responsibility, leadership and collaborative skills. Due to the positive experience I had in high school, I decided to join IUPUI's Dance Marathon: Jagathon. I have served as a committee member on the Family Relations Committee for two years now, and have gained irreplaceable skills and experiences. In March of 2022, we hosted our first in-person main event since pre-COVID. The 15 hours I spent at the event were life changing. I took on roles that involved organizing, serving, communicating, and directing. I had the opportunity to meet all of the Riley families at the event. Listening to their journeys was a very humbling experience for me. It taught me the importance of never taking life for granted. This event further fueled my passion for becoming a physical therapist. I am excited to use my skills, knowledge, and passion to improve the lives of others!
Jagathon raised $364,069 in 2022 for Riley!
Student Athlete Life
When committing to run cross country and track at IUPUI, I knew I would be entering a new stage of responsibility in life. I am grateful for the wonderful opportunity I have to be able to compete at one of the highest levels for my age. Combining my passion for this sport with the ability to create connections with other like-minding individuals is a true blessing. However, I have gained so much more than athletic benefits from this opportunity. I have learned how to plan my schedule so I can accomplish all on my to-do list, I understand the importance of working with team dynamics to accomplish a goal, and I have been introduced to a variety of campus resources that assist me on my academic journey at IUPUI!
Racing in outdoor track my freshman year at IUPUI!