Writing My Own Story
12/12/2023 12:31:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
I was just sitting in my room all day doing homework.
That’s nothing new for me. After all, I got my undergraduate degree in biochemistry. I’ve always taken my education seriously, and it’s been an integral part of my life.
But I also knew there was more out there for me than schoolwork.
I wanted more from my college experience, and above all else, I wanted to go out on my own terms.
Right then and there, I made an important decision.
With my senior year at Mississippi State coming to a close, I had an extra year of eligibility in my volleyball career.
While I’m grateful for those four years, this was my chance to decide how I wanted my collegiate career to end.
In my heart of hearts, I knew I had something special to offer a university and volleyball program that was willing to take a chance on me.
So, not knowing where I would transfer to or how my journey as a student-athlete would end, I embraced the unknown and bet on myself.
I set out to rewrite the ending of my story in my final year as a student-athlete.
Everything fell into place
When I first entered the transfer portal, one of my first contacts was Tamika Brekke, who’s an assistant coach on the Kent State volleyball team.
As I got to talk with Tamika and the rest of the staff, I felt at ease immediately.
They took a genuine interest in getting to know me as a person. Volleyball almost became secondary, which I absolutely loved.
It’s certainly not like that everywhere.
But what ultimately won me over was the opportunity to continue my education at Kent State.
One of my mentors at Mississippi State knew the founders of the BHRI (Brain Health Research Institute) at Kent State. Once I got in touch with them, they were able to set me up with a lab position.
In addition to working in the lab, I had the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in biology, and everything just seemed to fall perfectly into place.
I could get the playing time on the court that I wanted, and I could continue to pursue my dreams in the classroom and gain incredible experience working in the lab.
To this day, I’m still amazed at how it all came together, but I think it was just meant to be.
Kent State is exactly what I envisioned when I entered the portal and searched for a university that was perfect for me in ending my collegiate career.
Balancing the workload
Another reason I love Kent State so much is because of how understanding everyone is. It’s a little unorthodox to be pursuing a master’s in biochemistry, working in a lab, and playing DI volleyball.
For those who enjoy their free time, I can’t say I’d recommend it, but Kent State has helped me balance that workload as much as possible.
As an example, my advisor in the lab, Dr. Coolen, was completely cognizant of my commitments as a student and volleyball player. She told me right away that school comes first, then volleyball, and then my work in the lab.
I can’t tell you how much that prioritization helped me understand what needs to come first in my day-to-day.
While it’s not without its challenges, with the help of planners and whiteboards, I just take it one task at a time. When I’m able to complete one, I feel accomplished and motivated to continue checking off the rest of them throughout the day.
It can be overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
As a student-athlete, I’m doing what I love each and every day, and not very many people can say they have the opportunity to do that.
Life-changing research
For whatever reason, math and science always made sense in my head. Around my sophomore or junior year of high school, I decided that neurological research was the direction I wanted to go in.
And all these years later, here I am working in the lab every day with Dr. Coolen.
She specializes in research on spinal cord injuries and the associated loss of functions that come with that. Working with her, our job is to figure out a way to help restore those functions, which would be beyond revolutionary.
Currently, I am examining different animal models that have experienced induced spinal cord injuries, observing how the various proteins and receptors change with the injuries, and exploring potential interventions to restore lost functions.
Knowing the potential impact and magnitude this research could have on someone’s life one day is what made me so invested in neurology.
That’s what pushes me in the lab day in and day out.
To say I can be a part of something that’s potentially going to benefit and change a person’s life one day from a seemingly irreparable spinal injury means more than I’ll ever be able to fully express.
I love the work.
I love the research.
And it’s a privilege to work alongside Dr. Coolen every day in a lab I’ve wanted to be a part of since I was a high school girl with big dreams.
Take control of your life
While my volleyball career at Kent State sadly came to an end a few weeks ago, I still have lots to look forward to outside the court.
Once I graduate with my master’s, I plan to pursue a PhD and continue my education.
Ideally, I’d love to stay here and earn my doctorate.
I recently applied to the Biomedical Sciences and Biological Sciences programs. I’m crossing my fingers to get accepted into either of those because they have neuro focuses and would allow me to continue working in the lab.
I’ll know for sure in February whether I get accepted, but truthfully, there’s no place I’d rather be.
Since I arrived at Kent State earlier this year, it’s become my new home.
I adore this city, community, and university, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the opportunities they’ve provided me.
Making a significant impact on the court, earning a master’s degree, gaining valuable experience in the lab, and even having my work published in scholarly articles is everything I could have hoped for and more.
My advice to anyone out there would be to not let others write your story.
Take control and write the next chapter of your life.
If you’re like me, you might just find your next chapter will fulfill your dreams and make you happier than you ever thought possible.
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