Why did you choose to attend UM?
Ole Miss was the only university that I applied to for numerous reasons. I grew up as an Ole Miss fan attending football games and tailgating in The Grove. I wanted to come to a place that I was familiar with but still meet new people from all over the US. UM also offered a great program for social studies education which was my desired major coming out of high school. Finally, the campus and facilities Ole Miss offers to its students is second to none, and I love the beauty of campus and the big school with a close community atmosphere.
When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
I chose my major of Social Studies Education at the start of my senior year of high school. I was inspired by multiple history and social studies teachers from 8th grade through my senior year that made me want to become a teacher. I have always enjoyed teaching young people through my experiences in Boy Scouts and enjoy making lessons and teaching skills. I hope to prepare students for real life and make an impact on my students long after they leave the classroom.
What are your career goals?
I want to teach in a secondary classroom immediately after college and gain my footing and teaching style. After a few years in the classroom, I plan to take courses in order to gain a master’s degree in either curriculum and instruction or educational leadership. I want to teach in secondary for a long period after that, where I hope to become a college professor at the end of my career and inspire the next generation of educators.
Is there a professor who has been particularly impactful or helpful to you?
Dr. Samantha Gilbert has been super impactful throughout my educational journey. She helped me out greatly in creating my first lesson plans. Dr. Gilbert has given me great resources that I can take to the classroom and use to teach my students. Dr. Gilbert is also a great person who always keeps it real in the classroom and is willing to help her students with anything long after they leave her class. She also has a positive mindset that sets a great example for me of how I should treat my students when I have a classroom of my own.
What do you want to change about the world?
I want to inspire my students to create a better society in and out of my classroom. I want students to treat everyone in school and the community with dignity and respect. I believe that relationship building is super important and want to make the greatest impact possible on my students from this as simple as help in my class to being a shoulder to lean on in times of crisis or distress.
What's your most memorable moment at UM?
My most memorable moment at Ole Miss was definitely rushing the field after Ole Miss beat LSU during this football season. As a kid growing up and watch the fans tear the goalposts down after beating Alabama, I had always wanted to go on the field after a big win.
8. What do you like to do outside of school?
I love sports with a passion. I am a huge Ole Miss football fan and love game days here in Oxford, but I also travel to a majority of the away games. I also love NHL, NFL, and racing and enjoy attending sporting events whenever I can. I also love to be outside especially hiking and camping. One of my life goals is to goal to all the National Parks and hike. I also enjoy a lot of different music and very much enjoyed when Morgan Wallen played in The Vaught. I am a very social person who like to meet different people from different parts of the country and make new friends. I enjoy supporting and eating at local restaurants around Oxford, including Oby’s and Boure, and I always look to explore new places.