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2022 Senior Spotlight: Macie Hefron

Macie Hefron

Macie Hefron ’22 is a graduating senior who is jump-starting her career by following her passion for biking and railroads by not only turning a student position with the state of Michigan into a full-time job but creating her own business as well.

When Macie Hefron walks across the commencement stage, she will reminisce on the different paths taken to get there. After accepting her diploma, she will be able to let out a breath of relief because her hard work has paid off.

After three years of being a student assistant for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Macie will transition into a full-time analyst position.

“As a student assistant for MDOT, I have been able to experience the railroads themselves while I go out in the field and ride in our high-rail truck down the tracks. I also have the privilege of writing structure agreements for different railroad construction jobs throughout Michigan and building documentation for employees within the department.” 

Macie’s ability to sit in meetings regarding important projects has taught her about the railroad, the importance of teamwork, professionalism, time management, and much more. She will be doing similar work in her new full-time position on a much larger scale. 

Her new role at MDOT is not nearly all Macie has planned for her future. In her second year at SAU, she started a business that incorporates her passion for biking and love for railroads. “Wheels on Rails,” an attraction that’s never been seen before in Michigan, brings people from all over the state to bike on abandoned railroad tracks with special bikes created just for the rails. 

“It all started from one little business plan… There have been many doors opening but also many doors closing. I truly believe that throughout this journey, the Lord has challenged me for reasons I won’t be able to understand until it opens on His timing.” 

Macie’s mission for Wheels on Rails is to welcome new opportunities to our beautiful state of Michigan and allow people to enjoy the pedaling experience, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Growing in her faith has been a theme throughout Macie’s time at SAU. As a philosophy major and pre-law minor, she has had the opportunity to work with many professors that have helped strengthen her confidence in the Lord and his timing. She is gracious for the love and time they poured into her.

“I see the professors not just as professors but as mentors and future resources, all of them are just an easy email away as I venture into this new time in my life. I see their leadership in and out of the classroom. They’re extremely supportive in every single one of the students’ lives here at SAU. I couldn’t be more thankful.” 

Even though Macie plans on living close to Lansing for her new position, she is looking forward to traveling with the expansion of her new business!

Written by SAU marketing student Arielle Knight.