Mica Magday

Munnia smiles as she leads the class in their first dance.

The Morton Fitness Center (MFC) now holds Zumba classes for a new exciting exercise routine. Classes are led by 2018 Texas Wesleyan alumni McKayla Munnia every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the aerobic room.  

When she’s not in the studio, Munnia is in the Alumni Relations Office as the assistant director. She says she cherished the interactions she had with students as a school teacher and Wesleyan admissions officer before her current role.  

“I really love teaching, was a school teacher before I was at Wesleyan,” Munnia said. “So this is a great way to segue that passion into something else.” 

Students have attested to her familiarity and the comfortable environment Munnia creates for them, whether they are a fresh face or a regular.  

“I love her,” said marketing freshman Esther Kayaba when asked about her first impression of Munnia. “The first time we came here, she’s like, ‘This ain’t church!’ She was just funny, we love her.” 

Kayaba first attended the class with her friend Morgan Shelton, a freshman exercise science major, when Munnia stopped them before they started their regular workout at the MFC. Since the first class they’ were recruited to, they’ve brought along four friends to join.

“If you don’t want to attend the gym, then dancing is a good option,” said senior biology major Mary Njorge, who usually attends with her friend Sara Villatoro, senior criminal justice major. “It’s so much fun. Bring a friend and [expect to] sweat a lot.” 

Munnia empathizes with those who may be hesitant to attend the Texas Wesleyan class but assures them that the class has an open and welcoming atmosphere. 

“When I was a college student, I was way too scared to go to any fitness class — I didn’t get any hand eye coordination until I was 25,” Munnia said. “So, I completely understand the hesitation, but please introduce yourself to me because I love meeting new people. I’m here for everybody.” 

Shelton and Kayaba express how they didn’t know how to dance for their first time either but enjoy the energetic atmosphere. 

“I don’t really know how to dance, and I’m here,” said Shelton. “[We’re] just having fun. It’s like when dogs get the zoomies, we’re like the dogs,” she joked.  

The class has grown, to over 10 attendees last Tuesday, Nov. 11. Munnia welcomes anyone and everyone, reassuring those who may be thinking twice about attending.  

“If you’re self-conscious, it is okay. Nobody here is a professional dancer, and nobody is watching you — everyone’s watching me!”