Throughout the 2020-2021 year, the Aurora University athletic department will highlight the senior student-athletes. The seniors will provide some insight to their time at AU while getting to know them as individuals they have grown into in their time as a Spartan.
Senior Spotlight: Rakeya Martin (Women's Track and Field)
Major:Â Nursing
Minor:Â Physiology
What are your plans after graduation? Go back to Kansas and become a nurse in my community.
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? The most academic experience at AU was passing the TEAS test on the first try and beginning the nursing program.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? Freshman year we were competing for outdoor championship and just seeing the effort from everyone and how we all came together to win the championship. That was the day that I knew it was a part of a big family that never quits and goes the extra mile.
Other than the sport(s) you play, what other sports activity are you good at? I played basketball in high school
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Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? Cooking, spending time with my family and reading
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? Chicken nuggets
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Everyone is a little nervous to enter the nursing program, but my professor Lisa Pertl was the nicest person I have met. She always let me come in and ask questions about the material and she asked about school but also how I was doing emotionally and mentally and how she could help me in any way.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? What I enjoy about practice is the environment, our coach always makes it fun where we want to be at practice. What I least enjoy is the first 6 am of every year but after that I get used to it.
Do you have any pregame rituals? I listened to my favorite playlist, prayer, and try to get the nerves out by clearing my mind and relaxing.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? Don't be afraid to ask questions, you will be lost if you continue to go on without understanding. Also if you have a bad moment or bad practice, don't let that determine the rest of your day, keep your head up and keep pushing for your goals.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Rock my world by Michael Jackson, this song is a vibe and it just makes you want to dance like no one is looking. Plus its Michael Jackson you can't go wrong with that.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? I am the only granddaughter in my family and the only girl in my family. I grew up around boys so I love sports especially football ,that was all I watched with my family growing up.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why? I would spend my time with Michael Jackson because in my opinion, he is the greatest singer and performer of all time. Nelson Mandela because he had so much wisdom and insight and he fought for equality. The last person would be Cicely Tyson, she has been in Hollywood for decades and she would be a great person to gather wisdom from and she has seen a lot in the years that she has been on this earth.
