Mythology and Folklore: Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is MaKenzi Burke, and I am 21 years old. I have a sister, a step-sister, and 3 step-brothers. I am from a tiny town in Texas located smack dab in the middle of Austin and San Antonio known as New Braunfels. If this doesn't sound familiar, maybe you've heard of the massive waterpark known as Schlitterbahn? Well, that's where the waterpark is located! I have finally reached senior status and will be graduating this May with a degree in Microbiology. When I chose OU to be my home away from home as a senior in high school, I was definitely reaching out on a limb. I picked OU amongst many well known Texas options, and to my surprise, I've loved every minute of it!

In addition to taking Mythology and Folklore, I am also enrolled in the Microbiology Capstone course (along with a lab) as well as Physiology of Microorganisms. I have luckily accrued enough hours throughout my time here, that I am able to take a much easier load of only 9 hours. After graduation, I plan on applying to physician's assistant graduate school to become a certified PA. I would love to attend school somewhere in the Texas/Oklahoma area, and perhaps start a career further down the line in either location as well.

Although I don't get to do it as often as I would like to, traveling is one of my favorite activities. I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to around 12-15 states, and I'm hoping to eventually make to each one at some point in my life time. I also had the opportunity to participate on a mission trip a few summers ago (July 2010) to Haiti, and it was the most humbling experience of my life. This last summer (July 2014), I was able to study abroad at OU's campus in Arezzo, Italy. While I was there, I traveled to multiple places in throughout Italy, and I fell completely in love with Italy, its culture, and Europe in general. I hope one day I have the opportunity to travel to Europe again.

Well, that's just a little bit about me! I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you throughout the semester!