Marlayna McBride: pushing ahead with purpose

At 6:30 every morning, before the world has even yawned awake, Marlayna McBride begins her day the same way she has learned to begin her life, by thanking God.

She spends 10 quiet minutes in bed, whispering prayers and grounding herself before the chaos of being an athlete, a STEM major, a leader and entrepreneur comes rushing in.

By 7 a.m., she is in the weight room training. By 8 a.m., she is often sitting in class.

And on Thursdays, she’s already on the road to MUSC Hospital, clocking clinical hours for the future she envisions so clearly. Breakfast, always an omelet, grits and sometimes a waffle, is the one constant she refuses to skip.

For most college students, a schedule like that would feel unbearable. For Marlayna, a junior biology major at Claflin University, it is simply evidence of the pace she sets for herself.

“I’m always competing with myself. … I never want to look back and say I could’ve done more,” she said.

Her drive is personal. Her motivation, she says, comes from her family and from the fire she carries for the life she believes she is meant to build.

She’ll need that momentum two years from now when she plans to walk across the stage at Claflin University as a graduate, an athlete, a scholar, a leader, a businesswoman and a woman who has learned to trust God through every step.

Her time at Claflin has not been without obstacles. As an honors student and a STEM major, the academic rigor alone could stretch anyone thin. Add athletics, leadership roles and running her own hair business, and the pressure becomes heavy.

She admits that mental health challenges have followed her throughout her time at the university.

“I’ve burnt out a lot,” she says.

Personal stress from friendships and relationships has added to it. Imposter syndrome and overthinking have been constant battles.

But even through the doubt, she has learned to breathe, navigate and keep moving, anchored by her faith.

Despite everything, her accomplishments stand strong. Winning the title of Miss Sophomore was a major highlight. And she has maintained a strong GPA while juggling her demanding schedule.

“I’m proud of myself for keeping going.”

Her background shaped that resilience. Growing up, she often heard the word “no.” Teachers underestimated her and some implied she would never amount to anything. Instead of breaking her, those experiences fueled her.

She now sees herself as living proof that God’s plan is greater than people’s doubt.

If one story captures her journey, it’s her belief that humility and faith will carry her wherever she needs to go.

“I can do whatever I want as long as I’m humble and keep God first.”

This philosophy guides her as she moves through academics, athletics and entrepreneurship.

After graduation, Marlayna hopes to attend the University of South Carolina for a master’s program in nursing. Her dream is to become a cosmetic nurse and eventually open her own med spa.

But she’s not afraid to dream beyond one path.

“If all goes south -- praying it won’t -- I want to be a famous singer or entertainer.”

With purpose guiding her, any path she chooses will be one she walks with intention.

Marlayna hopes to be remembered as the girl who did it all and did it well. But even more, as the girl who stayed true to herself.

“No leadership position, no amount of stress, and no one could change the girl God created me to be.”

Her favorite quotes reflect the faith that steadies her:

●       If it’s in God’s will, it’ll come.

●       What’s meant to be will be.

●       I tried my best; God did the rest.

For now, Marlayna continues waking up at 6:30, praying, training, studying and working, moving through life with grace, grit and an inner light that refuses to dim.

She, in every way, does it all, pushing ahead with purpose.