Hello, my name is Mary Kate Leonard. My life has unique dreams and nightmares.

During my childhood I was a two-sport athlete. Nearly every day, I attended an organized practice for one of my sports. My sports dream was to play college softball and basketball. My sports dream came true, and I committed to play both basketball and softball at the D2 level. However, soon thereafter, my life dream came true and I was admitted to UGA. It was hard to say goodbye to my sports dream, but I decided to decommit and become a UGA Dawg – Best decision ever!

When I was born, my heart and all my organs were on the opposite side of my body. I have a condition called situs inversus. I later found out it was a rare genetic condition that only affects .01% of the population. To some people this would be a nightmare. Thankfully, I have no complications and can live a healthy lifestyle. Often, I completely forget I have any condition, lol.

My nightmare wasn’t so bad. I learned how to win any two trues and one lie game. I always say this fun fact and everyone thinks it’s obviously the lie. Additionally, I learned that people’s differences and fun facts are what makes the world a better and less boring place. I used to be embarrassed to tell people I was different and had a rare genetic condition. Now I can confidently embrace myself as the way God made me.

So far, my dreams and nightmares have worked out. I am very happy to be a UGA Dawg and my rare condition helps me open up to people.