Runner Kelechi Christian creates her own footsteps to follow at Mississippi College.

Following in footsteps

Growing up, I always heard that the United States was the powerhouse of athletics. Being a young girl and seeing the likes of [American track and field stars] Allyson Felix and Carmelita Jeter, I dreamt of competing there and following in their footsteps.

After graduating from high school, I wanted to enroll in a college in America, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to. I settled into a university back home but still hoped to study abroad, so I kept working hard. In the third year, I wrote an email to Mississippi College (in Clinton, Mississippi), and Coach Freeman responded to me, offering me a full scholarship. I was ecstatic that my dreams would come true.

That was the beginning of my journey. It had not been easy, from requesting appointments to booking flights to traveling to Mississippi College. I faced many challenges but was determined to pull through and run track at the collegiate level.

A long journey

It took 28 hours from Murtala Muhammed airport in Lagos, Nigeria, to finally arrive at Mississippi College. I was welcomed by my teammate Shelby Dean who showed me around the campus, and I had my first Chick-fil-A. I remember telling her I wished we had Chick-fil-A back home because the spicy chicken sandwich was scrumptious.

With the help of my teammates, I settled in comfortably, awaiting my first semester of college and first collegiate season. Track and field was my first love, and although it sometimes feels like it does not love me back, my love can carry us through. My collegiate experience started distastefully: I had to wait out the whole indoor season because I was not cleared to compete and practice.

At that point, everything I had experienced felt irrelevant, and I just wanted to stay clear of athletics. I remember crying to Coach Freeman about how unfair it feels to come all the way here and still be unable to train and compete. He reassured me that all that was mine would be mine in due time.

Two weeks after that talk with him, I was cleared to practice and competed with the team. For my first competition with the team, I equaled the school record in the 60-meter sprint with my teammate Ezra McCaw. It truly felt like my reward for being patient.

First official track and field photo

Hitting my marks

I ran my first GSC conference championships, and although I did not get the medal, nearly missing out on the podium twice, I was able to receive a medal in the relays. My first indoor season capped off with a medal; God had blessed me enough.

The outdoor season was more rewarding because I was not running on a bent surface and had enough training to prepare for the Conference. I broke the school record in the 200-meter, 400-meter, 4x100-meter relays, and 4x400-meter relays. 

I also became the GSC champion in the 200-meter and a silver medalist in the 400-meter and 4x400-meter relays. I received the outstanding freshman of the championship and hit the qualification mark for the national Division II championship but narrowly missed out on the tournament.

I would not have come this far without God. He made all this possible even in times of doubt; his love and blessings never failed me. My favorite thing about studying in America is the college I go to. Mississippi College is a blessing from God because here I am surrounded by people who love God and are kind, humble, and accurate definitions of Christians.

Teamwork

My teammates and coaches have taught me many things about life and athletics. I have also met some of the best people I know, and it would not have been possible without coming to Mississippi College. God has truly blessed me with encouraging people and a loving family. The professors I have had so far have been understanding and flexible with traveling for competitions.

The classes are manageable for student-athletes, and you can always request help. We are provided with tutors and services that help keep your grades up. With the help of Ms. Mei-Chi Piletz and Ms. Wen Jones, I have been able to work and balance my school and athletic life. If you are looking for a college that will challenge you and bring out the best, Mississippi College is the place for you.

Being here has done wonders for me, and I would not choose to be anywhere else.