different strokes

Drawing inspiration from a unique set of values, Mackenzie Kulick loves all things colorful, creative and unusual

by marissa dolson ’24

Mackenzie Kulick found her penchant for creativity at a very young age. The Linfield University sophomore never tried to fit into what was considered ‘normal.’ Instead, she embraced her creativity in many ways and has continued to do so as part of her college experience.

“I was the little girl who had parents that emphasized creativity, curiosity and kindness,” she says, matter of factly.

As Kulick was growing up in The Woodlands, Texas, just north of Houston, she began exploring different creative outlets. She never looked up to a particular role model growing up, but rather observed the ways in which artists express themselves in unique ways.

Says Kulick: “I was the kid who purposely broke up pairs of socks so I could mismatch. I was the girl who would stomp around in a princess dress paired with rain boots. I was the kid who you could catch chowing down on the best plastic delicacies, like hot dogs. I never fit a typical mold, so my role models growing up were not necessarily people, but values.”

Her creativity has flourished during her time at Linfield. Her major in marketing and a double minor in journalism and wine studies only pushed her to excel further in creative excellence.

After graduation, Kulick has her plans mapped out, expressing an interest in a career in advertising. “I want to find a job where I can channel my creativity into building different brands and products. I plan to focus my career on the copy of ads and find a way to incorporate podcasting.”

Kulick has already dipped her toes in the water of podcasting.

“I have a podcast called “Factual Non sense” that I started for a class but I’m hoping to continue with the Linfield Podcast Network,” she says. “The campus is always advertising new things to try. I tend to jump right in, which has earned me interviews with employers, an opportunity to enter a media festival and the ability to grow my network of people for the future.”

Kulick says attending Linfield has made her feel special and valued. “What makes Linfield so original are its people and the relationships you forge with them. I came from a high school where I was a number amongst thousands. At Linfield, I am ‘Koolwhip,’ Mackenzie, and Kenzie; all different names and nicknames but they all mean that I am seen as an athlete, student and friend.”

The sense of community at Linfield has helped Kulick develop a second family away from her own in Texas. Nonetheless, she stays in regular contact with her mother, Marie, father Tom, and brother Tanner.

“My family,” she says, “is my biggest support system.”

As spring arrived, Kulick found herself spending more and more time at the lacrosse field with her teammates, friends and coaches. After battling adversity last year in the form of a season-ending injury, she is taking full advantage of her playing opportunities this season.

“I had a memorable first season by rupturing my Achilles during one of the first spring games. The recovery time for repairing a tendon is about a year, so it’s been a while in coming.

I’m ecstatic to be back on the field playing the sport I love.” eammate Grayce Miller admires Kulick’s work ethic, dedication and compassion.

“Mackenzie, better known as ‘Koolwhip’ to me and our teammates, is the most passionate and caring person I know. She is fully committed and loves everything she does. Whether it’s lacrosse, her podcast, or a class she’s interested in, she fully commits herself to doing her best,” says Miller.

“There has never been a day where she doesn’t check in with someone to make sure they are doing alright. She is constantly helping those who are having a rough day or helping those who need a good laugh with a witty joke she has. I always look forward to the conversations and time I get to spend with her.”

Mackenzie Kulick is passionate about many things. Whether it’s her podcast, scoring goals on the lacrosse field or extracurricular activities, she is forever grateful to her family for pushing her to be authentically herself. If you look close enough, you might be able to spot her embracing her inner childhood by wearing mismatched socks around campus.