“No matter how many obstacles are put before you it’s all about overcoming those obstacles and bettering yourself as an individual.” – Muscogee (Creek) citizen Mark Zachery II
Morgan Taylor/Reporter
LANGSTON, Oklahoma – Mark Zachery II walked across the stage May 15 to accept his degree in completing the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program from Langston University.
Zachery grew up in Oklahoma City where he graduated high school. He is the son of Kimberly Zachery, grandson of Lois L. Mosley and great grandson of Jewel and Lena Crabtree Lyday.
As a young man, Zachery always had a passion for working with his elders and is what ultimately guided him to do physical therapy.
“I have a passion for helping people out and I have an interest in geriatrics, I want to have a career where I can give back to the elders,” Zachery said.
Eventually, he said he wants to work for the tribe or start his own practice.
During his academic journey, Zachery faced many obstacles including a hand injury from a car accident, academic probation, financial needs and his family moving states.
“It was definitely not easy,” Zachery said. “I’ve gone through struggles and I’ve had to dig myself out of holes in school but with hard work and perseverance I was able to graduate.”
Zachery claimed graduating was the best thing that happened to him and hopes to set an example.
“No matter how many obstacles are put before you it’s all about overcoming those obstacles and bettering yourself as an individual,” he said.
Zachery claimed the hardest thing about his journey was missing out on events.
“I had to learn to tell people ‘no,’” Zachery said. “I had to miss out and it sucked but I had to realize this is just temporary and I’ll be in a better place soon.”
There were many times Zachery wanted to give up, but kept persevering.
“Seemed like every week there was something and I just wanted to throw my hands up,” he said.
“If I could tell people one thing, its ‘there’s going to be times you want to give up, there’s going to be long nights and sleepless nights but keep going.’”
Zachery received support from the Muscogee Nation Scholarship Foundation.
He claimed the grant helped him with tuition, books, materials and overall financial hardship.
Currently, Zachery has received many job offers, but has not accepted a position due to intense studying for an upcoming state test.
