Get to Know Audrey Howard
Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose Ole Miss for its small-town feel and incredible football scene. The downtown was also a big selling point, there are so many cute restaurants and shops to check out. I love Square Books most of all and frequently treat myself to a new book and some coffee there.
When and why did you choose your major/minor?
I chose my major because I wanted to make a tangible difference in the world through my career. Audiology and speech-language pathology allow you to give people back their ability to communicate. I love that by simply doing my job I can improve the confidence, health, and happiness of others.
What are your career goals?
My ultimate career goal is to be as in love with what I do as my professors are. Outside of that, I’d ideally like to work in a school or clinic with children. When I am finally practicing, I also hope to remain involved in the CSD community and speech-language/hearing advocacy.
Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Professor Ann Williams has been extremely helpful to me despite having never been my instructor. Though I met her only very recently through my ambassadorship, she has been very kind and provided me with tons of advice regarding my future in CSD. The instructors in the CSD program are truly one of a kind and are always willing to help students any way they can.
What has been a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community? (Either on or off campus?
On campus, I feel as though I’ve made my most meaningful impacts as an RA. In your day to day as a normal student, you probably wouldn’t notice all the behind-the-scenes troubles that others are dealing with. Being an RA, I am often on the front lines of dealing with student success and happiness. Although it is difficult, it is truly rewarding, and seeing my residents improve mentally or academically makes everything worth it.
What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies/interests)?
Outside of school, I like to draw and paint. I’ve always been an artsy person and I adore crafts of any kind, right now I am attempting to teach myself how to knit with minimal success.
What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?
What is your favorite place to eat in Oxford?
My favorite place to eat in Oxford is Ajax. The pop culture inspired art and fun lighting makes it an interesting place to eat. They give you tons of food for your buck and it tastes like soul food straight out of someone’s home kitchen.
What are some dream travel destinations (and why?)
I have always wanted to go to Europe because I am a huge history nerd. I am constantly listening to podcasts like Lore or Stuff You Missed In History Class and I’d love to see the places they reference in person. I especially want to go on a historical ghost tour in the Tower of London and see the different castles across Europe.
What’s your favorite place to study on or off campus and why?
My favorite place to study on campus is the bottom floor of Lamar. It can be surprisingly quiet there between classes, and the proximity to the P.O.D. Market is a huge plus!
Why is your department a special place?
The CSD department is incredibly unique because all of the professors are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about what they do. They love their job and have a strong desire to excite students about speech and hearing sciences. Additionally, our department has a super tight-knit community of students and professors who frequently interact through NSSLHA.
What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department at UM? (keep these short and brief).
My top favorite things about my major are our wonderful NSSLHA community, amazing professors, and endless career options within the CSD major.