Why did you choose to attend UM?
The reason I chose the University of Mississippi was primarily because of the prevalent culture. When you first step onto campus, you are overwhelmed by the beauty, but unlike other places, there is much more to this school. The people I observed were all comfortable and happy, no one seemed out of place. The atmosphere was just amazing. Additionally, I loved the size of the campus and the city of Oxford. When I visited, I never felt overwhelmed. It was a quaint town with lots of things to offer. Additionally, the less than 10-minute walks to each class sounded very enticing. For me, I never felt intimidated by the campus, people, or environment, so I just felt drawn here.
The reason I chose the University of Mississippi was primarily because of the prevalent culture. When you first step onto campus, you are overwhelmed by the beauty, but unlike other places, there is much more to this school. The people I observed were all comfortable and happy, no one seemed out of place. The atmosphere was just amazing. Additionally, I loved the size of the campus and the city of Oxford. When I visited, I never felt overwhelmed. It was a quaint town with lots of things to offer. Additionally, the less than 10-minute walks to each class sounded very enticing. For me, I never felt intimidated by the campus, people, or environment, so I just felt drawn here.
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?
Coming out of high school, I truly had no clue what to expect. I came from a tiny high school in the middle of nowhere with limited class options. I feared I would be behind others. However, I quickly found everyone was in the same boat. No matter how big or small the place you came from, everyone was nervous, and everyone had to adjust. Biology is definitely a study heavy major, but the reward is much greater. You get exposed to so much material that you have never seen before. I know that sounds scary, but after you learn it, you feel so good about yourself. You learn material that you can relate to and probably can apply in your future career, which is exciting. It is important to remember that everyone is probably struggling just as much as you.
Coming out of high school, I truly had no clue what to expect. I came from a tiny high school in the middle of nowhere with limited class options. I feared I would be behind others. However, I quickly found everyone was in the same boat. No matter how big or small the place you came from, everyone was nervous, and everyone had to adjust. Biology is definitely a study heavy major, but the reward is much greater. You get exposed to so much material that you have never seen before. I know that sounds scary, but after you learn it, you feel so good about yourself. You learn material that you can relate to and probably can apply in your future career, which is exciting. It is important to remember that everyone is probably struggling just as much as you.
Why is your department a special place?
I think the biology department is a special place because of the students and faculty who are involved. The department gushes with passion. All the professors have specific topics they are super passionate about, so it is easy to find someone with whom you connect. The students who are in the biology department have such a rooted connection. From attending mostly all of the same classes, going through all the ups and downs, and having the same aspirations, the connection is deeply rooted. Some of my closest friends are also in the biology department, and it was so easy to get along because we have similar goals and motivations.
I think the biology department is a special place because of the students and faculty who are involved. The department gushes with passion. All the professors have specific topics they are super passionate about, so it is easy to find someone with whom you connect. The students who are in the biology department have such a rooted connection. From attending mostly all of the same classes, going through all the ups and downs, and having the same aspirations, the connection is deeply rooted. Some of my closest friends are also in the biology department, and it was so easy to get along because we have similar goals and motivations.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
One of the hardest yet most impactful classes I have taken was BISC 160. This is the general biology class for all pre-health students. Dr. Symula and Dr. Jones have the capabilities to write some of the hardest tests I have ever seen. However, I promise that once you get through that class, any class afterwards is easier than eating a piece of cake. It is a difficultlt adjustment, but so many people are available to help you, like biology mentors and my personal favorite, SI leaders. UM and the biology department provide these amazing resources for students, and they really do help. I still see material that I learned in BISC 160 today in my upper-level classes, so it really is helpful.
One of the hardest yet most impactful classes I have taken was BISC 160. This is the general biology class for all pre-health students. Dr. Symula and Dr. Jones have the capabilities to write some of the hardest tests I have ever seen. However, I promise that once you get through that class, any class afterwards is easier than eating a piece of cake. It is a difficultlt adjustment, but so many people are available to help you, like biology mentors and my personal favorite, SI leaders. UM and the biology department provide these amazing resources for students, and they really do help. I still see material that I learned in BISC 160 today in my upper-level classes, so it really is helpful.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I plan to attend a dental school to earn a D.M.D in Dental Medicine. After dental school, I am not really sure where I will end up. My dream would be to own my own practice someday, but at first, I want to just work off my debt and start a family. Being a business owner can add additional stress, so I want to wait a few years before that.
After graduation, I plan to attend a dental school to earn a D.M.D in Dental Medicine. After dental school, I am not really sure where I will end up. My dream would be to own my own practice someday, but at first, I want to just work off my debt and start a family. Being a business owner can add additional stress, so I want to wait a few years before that.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
It's okay to not be successful on the first try. In my first two exams in college, I got a 65% and a 72%. I thought I was a total failure. As someone who had all A's my entire life, I felt defeated and terrified of what was to come. In reality, it is all about adjusting to a completely different reality. Don't get defeated after one loss; instead, use it as motivation to get better.
It's okay to not be successful on the first try. In my first two exams in college, I got a 65% and a 72%. I thought I was a total failure. As someone who had all A's my entire life, I felt defeated and terrified of what was to come. In reality, it is all about adjusting to a completely different reality. Don't get defeated after one loss; instead, use it as motivation to get better.
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