Undergraduate

Anna Smith

  • Class

    Class of 2027
  • Program

    Accounting, Classics ( College of Liberal Arts )
  • Involvement

    Greek Life, Student Government
  • Quick Intro

    Anna is majoring in Classics and Accounting. Anna is also a part of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. On campus, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta, Caring Companions, and FYE.
person outdoors smiling at camera

Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?

When looking for a college, I knew I wanted to attend a place where I felt supported and had the freedom to become involved while studying topics of my interest. Ole Miss allowed me to do this, as it has a small campus feel that allows you to easily connect with faculty and students around you. One thing that sticks out to me about why I love Ole Miss is how invested my professors are in my success. My classics professors are always available to help me when I need it, and I felt this kind of support when deciding to attend UM. There are so many opportunities to get involved on campus, whether through your major or other student organizations. It is so easy to meet a network of people who make UM feel like home. This sense of community is why I chose UM and continue to love it today. 
When looking for a college, I knew I wanted to attend a place where I felt supported and had the freedom to become involved while studying topics of my interest. Ole Miss allowed me to do this, as it has a small campus feel that allows you to easily connect with faculty and students around you. One thing that sticks out to me about why I love Ole Miss is how invested my professors are in my success. My classics professors are always available to help me when I need it, and I felt this kind of support when deciding to attend UM. There are so many opportunities to get involved on campus, whether through your major or other student organizations. It is so easy to meet a network of people who make UM feel like home. This sense of community is why I chose UM and continue to love it today. 

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?

The Classics Department has been one of my favorite things at Ole Miss, as it has allowed me to connect with a tight-knit community of people who also enjoy studying ancient languages and culture. This major pushes you to think critically and develop pattern recognition through the study of Latin or Greek. For prospective students, it is important to know that Classics is versatile and allows you to do many different things. Classics is not limiting, as the degree requirements are extremely manageable, making it easy to add on another major, minor, or degree. I am so grateful for my time in the Classics department, as it makes me think with attention to detail and a broader level of knowledge that I know will benefit me in my future career. 
The Classics Department has been one of my favorite things at Ole Miss, as it has allowed me to connect with a tight-knit community of people who also enjoy studying ancient languages and culture. This major pushes you to think critically and develop pattern recognition through the study of Latin or Greek. For prospective students, it is important to know that Classics is versatile and allows you to do many different things. Classics is not limiting, as the degree requirements are extremely manageable, making it easy to add on another major, minor, or degree. I am so grateful for my time in the Classics department, as it makes me think with attention to detail and a broader level of knowledge that I know will benefit me in my future career. 

Why is your department a special place?

The Classics department is particularly special to me because of how tight the community is. There are not a ton of Classics majors and minors, but this makes the Classics department much more personal. Most of the professors know you by name since you take some of them for multiple courses. They are deeply invested in your success and help give you the tools needed to study what you are passionate about. Also, because it is a smaller department, many students end up in the same classes together each semester. This allows for meaningful relationships in the classroom that help encourage me in my coursework. 
The Classics department is particularly special to me because of how tight the community is. There are not a ton of Classics majors and minors, but this makes the Classics department much more personal. Most of the professors know you by name since you take some of them for multiple courses. They are deeply invested in your success and help give you the tools needed to study what you are passionate about. Also, because it is a smaller department, many students end up in the same classes together each semester. This allows for meaningful relationships in the classroom that help encourage me in my coursework. 

What professor or class has had the most impact on you?

My favorite class I have taken in Classics was Latin 340. This was the Neronian literature class that helped me brainstorm ideas for my thesis project. The professor for this class, Dr. Pasco-Pranger, was so encouraging for me to develop a topic for my thesis and ended up becoming my thesis advisor. Although this class was not a thesis class, I was able to dive into a topic that interests me for broader research. Dr. Pasco-Pranger's support made me excited about my work and want to continue with it as I develop my thesis.
My favorite class I have taken in Classics was Latin 340. This was the Neronian literature class that helped me brainstorm ideas for my thesis project. The professor for this class, Dr. Pasco-Pranger, was so encouraging for me to develop a topic for my thesis and ended up becoming my thesis advisor. Although this class was not a thesis class, I was able to dive into a topic that interests me for broader research. Dr. Pasco-Pranger's support made me excited about my work and want to continue with it as I develop my thesis.

What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Taxation and Data Analytics through the Patterson School of Accountancy. I then intend to sit for the CPA exam and begin my career in accounting, focusing on tax and analytical work. In the long term, I plan to apply to law school and pursue a career in tax law, combining my interests in accounting and legal analysis.
After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Taxation and Data Analytics through the Patterson School of Accountancy. I then intend to sit for the CPA exam and begin my career in accounting, focusing on tax and analytical work. In the long term, I plan to apply to law school and pursue a career in tax law, combining my interests in accounting and legal analysis.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?

I would tell an incoming freshman not to hesitate to get involved. It is so important to develop a network during your time at UM, and hesitating to join different communities only hinders you from making the best of your experience. Getting involved early helps you find your people and feel more connected to campus. Even if you get a little out of your comfort zone, getting involved is a step in shaping your college experience.  

 

 

I would tell an incoming freshman not to hesitate to get involved. It is so important to develop a network during your time at UM, and hesitating to join different communities only hinders you from making the best of your experience. Getting involved early helps you find your people and feel more connected to campus. Even if you get a little out of your comfort zone, getting involved is a step in shaping your college experience.  

 

 

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