Hailing from Alvin, Texas, a small town south of Houston, Mackenzie Savage is a Texas girl through and through. She attends Lamar University where she was a pitcher for the Cardinal softball team for two seasons and was initiated as a junior in 2019 while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a pre-medicine concentration. She loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, paddle-boarding and finding a good hammock spot.

Mackenzie is committed to helping others in her community by volunteering to serve as an LU Ambassador, within local hospitals, as a crisis text line counselor and on the Some Other Place Beaumont Board. She and her teammates also recently volunteered with the Catholic Charities to prepare care packages for the Lake Charles community in the wake of Hurricane Laura.

Let’s get to know Mackenzie!

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
To me, Phi Kappa Phi means a true congregation of scholars from all backgrounds who pride themselves in their education and love of learning. As a member, my love for learning never ceases. Whether it is learning about other academic disciplines or the cultures of the world around me, something new can be learned every day which can only broaden my mind and deepen my heart to that of gratitude.

Are you into podcasts?
Yes! I love podcasts and my top three favorites are Crime Junkie, The Premed Years and Flash Forward.

What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Christmas. The winter weather is my favorite, and I absolutely love soaking in all the family time I can get. Plus, red is totally my color.

What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is knowing you gave it your all. If your all translates to failure, there’s still a lesson to be learned and in my eyes that is a success story.

What is the best vacation you have ever taken?
The best trip I have ever taken was a study abroad trip to South Korea and Taiwan. That trip taught me so much that was never in a syllabus, textbook or curriculum vitae. It broadened my appreciation for other cultures and the history each country has to offer. I especially loved being in Taiwan because I found it incredibly peaceful and loved the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes the island had to offer.

Do you have a favorite type of exercise?
I played Division I softball for two and a half years, so I think I am partial to weightlifting!

What is your favorite family memory?
My favorite family memory comes around Christmastime. My dad, sister and I pick out a real tree to bring back home and decorate with my mom. As we decorate it we watch A Christmas Story, put Christmas sweaters on our dogs, and stay up late drinking hot chocolate and giggling. To me, time always stands still in these moments.

A genie gives you three wishes—what are they?
If a genie gave me three wishes I would wish to fast-forward through time to when I am done taking my MCAT — sorry AAMC! I would also wish for an unlimited travel fund and the means to provide education and literacy opportunities to women who are not offered so otherwise.

What was the first thing you wanted to be when you grew up?
The first thing I wanted to be when I grew up was a librarian. I thought they were the coolest and had the best job in the world!

If you could time travel, when and where would you go?
If I could time travel, I would go to the '70s so I could be best friends with Stevie Nicks while Fleetwood Mac was in its prime.

To learn more about Mackenzie and connect, visit her profile within our online member community, here.

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