Why did you choose to attend Ole Miss?
I chose to attend Ole Miss because of the ample scholarships and various opportunities available for students. I believe Ole Miss provides a great education and countless ways for students to get involved and make major impacts in their communities.
When and how did you choose your major?
I chose my major during my senior year of high school. I knew that I wanted to do pharmacy, and the Early Entry program attracted me and heavily influenced my decision.
Why did you choose to do the Early Entry program?
Early Entry is a great program that allows students to have a guaranteed seat in the School of Pharmacy upon admission. It provides students with opportunities and resources to get involved early in the world of pharmacy as well as a sense of community with fellow students.
What did you like about the prioritized housing?
The guaranteed housing allows students to have peace of mind about where they will live during their freshman year in one of the nicest dorms on campus. It also allows students to connect with other Early Entry students to form early friendships.
What is your favorite EE memory?
In my sophomore year, we did an egg toss. It was a really fun event with food and drinks that brought EEs together. A portion of the proceeds also went to supporting food pantries in Oxford to fight food insecurity.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
It requires a lot of discipline and excellent time management skills to be successful in pharmacy. From the beginning, you will need to dedicate a lot of time to studying and learning how to study effectively to maximize your time. That being said, it is extremely rewarding to learn and be able to apply your knowledge to the real world. With good time management, you will still be able to be as involved on campus as you want to be.
Why is your school a special place?
Ole Miss has such a unique environment in that there are so many diverse people from many areas and so much to do, but the campus is still small enough to foster meaningful connections and feel like home.
What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department at UM?
My three favorite things about the pharmacy department would have to be the supportive staff who care immensely about the students, the ample research opportunities available for all students, and the many resources for student success.
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
I did research with Dr. Nicole Ashpole for two years, and during that time, she was very supportive of me and all my endeavors and provided many opportunities that have helped shape me into who I am today. I am very thankful for her.
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at Ole Miss?
One of the most enjoyable moments of my time at Ole Miss was hearing James Meredith speak during his keynote address to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the campus being integrated. Getting to meet him and hear from him about his passion and how he continues to go about creating change was something I will never forget.
Honorable mention: beating LSU at home in 2023 and storming the field was the most exciting football game I have ever been a part of.
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/plans after graduation?
After graduating with my PharmD, I plan to pursue a residency to further my clinical pharmacy skills. Right now, my career goal is to work in an ambulatory care clinic to address clinical patient needs. I would also like to explore industry pharmacy to see how drug knowledge and research are transformed into actual treatments for patients.
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
In my free time, I like to attend Ole Miss sporting events, specifically football and basketball. I enjoy spending time with friends, watching movies, and gaming. Some of my favorite places to go in Oxford include Toyo, Southern Coop, and Crumbl cookies.
What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
Chicken hibachi from Toyo with extra yum-yum sauce
What are you binge-watching or reading right now?
My favorite show right now is Abbott Elementary. I'm also binge-watching Dopesick, a show centered around the opioid crisis and the factors leading up to it. I am currently reading Heavy by Kiese Laymon for the second time.
What are some dream travel destinations?
Hawaii, Greece, and the Caribbean!
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self?
Slow down! Take time to enjoy the moment, and don't let fear stop you from pursuing opportunities. Before you know it, you will be walking across the stage at graduation and wishing you had more time left.