As participants of the future generation we are taught the importance of health and helping out in the community. All of us strive to be a healthier version of our current selves and try to serve our community to the best of our abilities. As students of Drexel University we are surrounded by ample opportunities to reach these life goals—whether it be running in a marathon or volunteering at CHOP.
Kelsey Kraynak, a graduate student studying physical therapy, tries to achieve both despite her already busy life. One of her biggest passions is running, which started when she realized that as a future mentor for healthy living, she did not want to be a hypocrite. After months of pushing herself, she was able to successfully run in the Philadelphia Half Marathon. At the end of the race she described every stretch of the run to be her pushing herself closer and closer toward her goal. It was then that she noticed the beauty of perseverance.
Her persistence can also be seen through her participation in philanthropy, which has always played a major role in her life. Kelsey’s passion started when her close-knit community came together to create a Dance for Hope event after losing a beloved member. When sophomore year of college began, Kelsey noticed that she was missing out and was not taking full advantage of what Drexel and the Philadelphia community had to offer. It was then when she decided to join Tri Sigma because it allowed her to make a name for herself on campus, be involved in community service, be involved in sports, and have a second family. While in Tri Sigma, she has taken up positions such as philanthropy chair and has created, developed, and led the well-known event Quest for the Best. This event has just successfully completed its second annual occurance and it was without a doubt due to her motivation to help improve the community. “[I] Shed my potential, left [my] mark on Drexel.” Kelsey said. “I dream to see Quest for the Best’s during their fifth year, I want to see my legacy.”
Kelsey did not only make her name in Tri Sigma, but also established herself elsewhere. She helped salvage the almost crumbling physical therapy club along with the help of another. Although this was a few years ago, Kelsey is still able to see the impact that she has made, “It is great to see that the club is going strong. I recently saw a girl on the bus, and she told me about how she was becoming the new president. I saw my effort in helping my little self come alive.”
Looking towards her future, Kelsey will begin having hands on experience during the fall with her chemical placement. She will then complete her post-graduate degree in physical therapy in 2017. When looking back at her years at Drexel University her advice would be to help others to help you. “Don’t be another face in the yearbook; leave something that could help a little you,” she said.