For graduate students, the transition from being an undergraduate is a big step filled with pressure, textbooks and practice. For Anna Green, a student of ULM’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, this new chapter of her life is defined by something much more personal. Green discovered a supportive family and the unexpected joy of long-distance runs.

As Green participates in ULM’s “Mind Over Miles,” two mile run event, she is not looking to break any records. For her, the run is a celebration of mental health, friendship and the realization that she can overcome challenges.

Originally from Ruston, Louisiana, Green spent her undergraduate sophomore and junior years at ULM before transferring to Louisiana Tech University (Tech). After graduating from Tech, she found herself back at ULM to attend the OTD program, where she found something life changing.

“I wouldn’t say I had the best experience of my undergrad years at ULM,” Green said. “But in the graduate school program, it really feels like family. People truly care about you and I think it’s very awesome to be in a program that feels like family, even though I am not from here.”

The connection sparked Green at the very beginning of the OTD program. She recalled the day all the members of the program went out to eat. She arrived early along with her classmate, Emily Batey. Ever since that moment, Green and Batey studied, ran and hung out together.

“Anna and I just clicked from the beginning,” Batey said. “It was like we had been friends for years. Honestly, this first year of the program, we have all really gotten close.”

At first, Green envisioned a future career in dental hygiene. However, after shadowing a few establishments, she realized that the field did not offer the environment she wanted.

“I did not find the connection I was wanting with the patients,” Green said. “I wanted to give more support to them and to know I can help with whatever they need.”

After nearly two years of shadowing at Building Futures, she developed a passion for Occupational Therapy and embraced the opportunity to support clients in returning to the activities they love.

Despite everything, Green said the most surprising development of her life is her relationship with running. She said she did not run much during her high school or undergraduate years. Now accompanied by either friends or her pet dog, Green aims to run three times a week.

“For me, running was challenging because I used to think a mile was the worst thing ever. Now I see it as fun,” Green said. “Every time I am outside, I feel good and I feel like my body is healthier. It is not about trying to beat a time or push for the next mile. It is about taking in all the beautiful things outside.”

As Green hits the pavement for the Mind Over Mile run, she will not just be another student. Instead, she stands as an advocate for the belief that, with a supportive community, what seems like the “worst thing ever” can transform into your greatest source of joy.