Get to Know: Makayla Callendar
Story by Abigail Castro

Makayla Callendar is a first-year Physical Therapy student. Makayla decided to become a physical therapist because she wanted a career in healthcare that allows her to spend a lot of time with patients and facilitate care based on their goals. "PT combines my love of movement and passion for helping people by giving me the skills to help others find freedom moving their bodies in ways that functionally fit their lives and goals," she says.

Makayla was drawn to CUPT by the opportunities it offers for active learning and close collaboration with faculty, as well as its student community whose diverse backgrounds and experiences allow for even more learning opportunities. She appreciates being able to explore multiple different avenues for her career through research, special interests groups and community outreach.

"I have been very privileged to grow up having my main health providers be women of color," Makayla says. "As a result, I was prepared to identify and not accept when I felt uncomfortable, ignored, or discredited by other providers. Those women inspired me to be that for other people. In doing so, my future patients will know that there are people in the field who look like them, will be considerate of the intersection of their identity and health needs, and know they don’t have to settle for bad experiences in healthcare."

Makayla considers Black History Month to be a time of reflection. She often thinks back on how the careers and actions of her own physicians provided her with privileges that they likely did not have. Looking forward, she thinks about what she can do to continue to improve the state of healthcare for current and future patients of color. But she's not waiting until she graduates to try to make a difference. "I am Class President, and I have joined White Coats for Black Lives," she says. "Taking on these roles helps me feel more connected to my program and the campus. But truthfully, it has been initiatives that I have done in my capacity as just a student, like leading a community discussion on race and identity and presenting on the socioeconomic implications of tension alopecia for black women, that have made me feel like I can really make a difference as a future clinician."

Pursuing a career in medicine is not easy, Makayla notes. Though it takes commitment and hard work, she encourages interested people of color to take on the challenge. "Lean on your support systems, learn from your challenges, and celebrate even the smallest of wins," she says. "Most importantly, do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and know that you deserve to be where you are."