D.C. student, President of Voices of LIFE (Gospel Choir), Alpha Delta Upsilon member

“The Music in You”

Though born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Maria Encarnacion grew up in Jacksonville, Florida attending performing arts schools. Music and dance were formative influences in her early life, as she played cello in addition to learning dance and ballet. Her parents both served in the police force, so perhaps that idea of service beyond oneself was planted for Encarnacion as well. For undergraduate school, Encarnacion attended the University of Tampa and achieved a B.S. in Biology degree with a minor in Chemistry.

During her time in undergrad, she began to delve deep into practical applications of science with a job as a Microbiology Laboratory Technician for Quest Diagnostics. It required moving back and forth a good bit in a tight space with sensitive materials, leaning over a fume hood and other occupational hazards. At one point, Encarnacion hurt her back and visited a chiropractor who happened to be a Life University (Life U) alumnus. Her chiropractor pointed out small aspects and mechanics related to Chiropractic that piqued her interest, such as a basic leg check.

She went on to work as a lab technician in the Virgin Islands for a few years, but that sparked notion about Chiropractic flickered in the background of her mind.

“All my stars kept aligning, and it led me to Chiropractic,” Encarnacion said.

Connecting with a Life U alumni, Encarnacion heard about Life Leadership Weekend and “fell in love with the environment, with the community, with the school.”

“Honestly, I just love being able to help people. I’ve done a few mission trips to the Dominican Republic. I’ve done three, and just seeing the smile on people’s faces that I can put just by doing what I do, just being able to put my hands on people and change lives,” Encarnacion said.

Encarnacion has made a point to get involved from the word ‘go.’ She is a member of the chiropractic sorority Alpha Delta Upsilon. She particularly enjoys “the sisterhood, the networking with like-minded individuals and just finding like your group of people that you connect to – being able to practice together, study together, hang out together.”

The music and her faith are also alive and well, singing with the Voices of LIFE choir as its president. She also serves on the praise team at Excel Church where she attends.

When asked for advice for future chiropractors coming up behind her, Encarnacion said some choice words.

“It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it if you feel like it’s your passion. Don’t give up. Don’t stop fighting. Push through it. I know it’s going to be stressful, but it’s only for a while. And then, once you graduate, and once you’re actually like practicing and working, it’ll be worth it,” Encarnacion said.