Harlingen, TX
As the oldest child, Makenna helped her parents with household chores and assumed her role as big sister to her siblings. Her parents taught her that hard work is important, and expected her to help pay her way through college as they both did. However, at the age of 17, Makenna began experiencing symptoms such as numbness, slurred speech and dragging her foot. She was then diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite the challenges MS can cause, Makenna is finding ways to pay for tuition and living expenses so she can attend Texas A&M University without aid from her parents. She is working toward a bachelor’s degree in biology to pursue a career as an agricultural specialist with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.