Q&A with Dr. Gary - Megan Heitkemper

Megan Heitkemper - Senior, Women's Cross Country, Mathematics major

Q & A with Dr. Gary-11/20/15

Q: What is your most memorable sports moment at Witt?

A: My most memorable sports moment at Witt was a cross country meet at Otterbein. There was so much rain that the course had to be adjusted to avoid us swimming through it instead of running. I remember finishing the race through a puddle so big that I had to do high knees just to move through it. That feeling, of being one of the few crazy people that actually enjoy running in freezing rain through mini lakes, is just unforgettable.  

Q: Why do you enjoy being a Wittenberg Tiger?

A: I enjoy being a Wittenberg Tiger because of the traditions and history on our teams. There is nothing better than homecoming weekend when you meet alumni and can say, “oh yeah you’re the guy from the story at Washington & Jefferson right?” I hope that I can leave an impact like that. 

Q: To you, what does it mean to “Tiger Up”?

A: For me, Tiger Up is representative of the feeling I get when I stand next to my teammates on the start line with the gun about to go off. The feeling that even though I know I am about to do something so hard, so out of my comfort zone, that this is where I belong, and there is nowhere that I'd rather be then standing next to them in our Wittenberg jerseys. 

Q: What is the most important thing that you have learned through your sport that is applicable to life?

A: Running cross country has taught me so many things, but the most valuable is how to persevere. Running comes with a lot of bad races and injuries that keep you from doing what you love, but it has always been worth it to give my best and keep doing whatever I can to continue competing. I think that’s a great lesson for everything we do in life, never let the circumstances hold you back from achieving your dreams, never give up. 

Q: What do you see yourself doing after Wittenberg?

A: After Witt, I plan to go to graduate school and get a PhD in biomedical engineering. My hope is to do research or work at a start-up company that makes new medical devices that will help advance treatments here and around the world. 

Q: After Wittenberg, how will you pass your light on to others?

A: I am really passionate about encouraging young women to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). I think that it’s really important for female scientists to encourage and mentor younger women so that they too can reach their goals. I think that mentoring young women is one way I strive to pass Wittenberg's light onto others.

Compiled By: Carley Sullivan '16, Senior Woman Administrator Student Assistant