Makenzie Shride: Finding Belonging

Makenzie Shride’s relationship with Olivet Nazarene University runs deep within her family, and all she has ever wanted for as long as she can remember was to become a student at Olivet once she graduated high school. Shride grew up in Michigan and always imagined herself following in the footsteps of her numerous family members that had also attended Olivet. However, after moving to Bourbonnais her freshman year of high school, Shride began to struggle with if she really wanted to attend Olivet. But by the time graduation rolled around, she reluctantly enrolled and has never looked back since as she enjoys every step of the way. 

To Shride, Olivet has been ground zero for maturing, growing, and building character. Freshman year was challenging and definitely a time she wishes to never relive again.

“It was a rollercoaster of a year, with so many fun moments, but there is no way I would ever go back to freshman year again,” said Shride. However, Shride realizes that despite having a rough freshman year, it helped her grow and become more emotionally mature. Between freshman year and now, Shride claims to not be quite as fun as she used to be, but she now feels more grounded and confident in who she is and what she believes in now more than ever. 

During Shride’s time at Olivet, she studies Interior Design with a minor in Communication while also being heavily involved in Theatre. Shride has always been a creative individual. Even since childhood she has experimented with design apps on her first-generation iPad designing homes and dreaming of one day becoming an interior designer.

“Interior design is kind of like a puzzle in a way, making the flow of the space work together even psychologically has always been interesting to me,” Shride said. Besides interior design, Shride has channeled her creativity through photography and theatre. Being involved in theatre has been a space where she feels comfortable, expressive, and surrounded by “people who are a little weird – in the best way”. Theatre is one of the best places of community and belonging that Shride has found at Olivet along with a place where she has met some of her greatest friends. 

“I love all my people, and I’ve really met wonderful friends,” Shride said.

Friendships are one of the most valued things for Shride. While many take for granted simple moments with peers and roommates, Shride holds the “simple things” closest to her heart. She knows that in no time at all she will be away from Olivet’s amazing community and knows how much she will miss college. To combat this she takes advantage of every movie night, laughter in the apartment, or even just quiet evenings with friends. She makes sure to live those moments to the fullest while being fully aware of the amazing core college memories that she is making. Her closest friendship is her roommate Alex McHugh who she met her freshman year who has always been a source of support and personal growth throughout her time in college.

Despite not being sure Olivet would be the place for her, Shride has truly found belonging throughout her time as a student. At Olivet she can express her creativity, develop her skills, and enjoy the little things to the fullest.