Claire Reynolds

Why did you choose to attend UM?

When I was applying to college, my brother was applying to law school and encouraged me to apply to UM after he committed to the school. When I toured campus, I loved how Ole Miss felt both tight-knit and full of opportunity. It was a place I could see myself getting involved while making a lot of meaningful connections and after being in Oxford for two years, I know it has been the perfect fit for me.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?

I originally came to Ole Miss planning to major in Chemical Engineering. However, after taking a variety of different classes, I found Economics, changed my major, and I haven't looked back. I've always been a pretty analytical person, and I loved how Economics essentially gives you tools to understand what is happening in the world, so it was pretty much perfect for me. I chose French as my minor because I took some in high school and always liked it, and I would love the opportunity to work abroad or at least with foreign companies.

What would you tell a high school student about your major?

Don't let anyone dissuade you from picking Economics. I feel like a lot of people didn't like the Economics classes they took in high school and they let that paint a negative image of the entire subject. There are so many niche things you can focus on as you advance through the curriculum, such as Sports Economics or Natural Resource Economics, so everyone can find something they're interested in. It's not just supply and demand graphs.

Why is your department a special place?

All of my professors heavily encourage office hours and when you go it's not intimidating at all, they treat you with respect and I have always walked away with a better understanding of what they're teaching. You can tell they want you to do well and as long as you're willing to put in the effort, you'll walk away prepared for higher-level classes and your career.

What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department at UM?

1. Economics is incredibly versatile, it's a launching point for so many different careers.
2. Because Economics is so useful, there are lots of interesting classes you can take.
3. The professors are all genuinely enthusiastic about what they teach.

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?

All of my professors within the Economics department have challenged me and forced me to be a better student. Outside of that department, my Writing 102 professor, Dr. Wood, made a huge impact on me. She pushed me because she knew what I could achieve with the right guidance, and she never failed to let me know that my accomplishments were something to be proud of.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?

Any time in the Grove is a great time, but it was especially exciting when College GameDay came to cover the Ole Miss vs. A&M game! I remember walking through the Grove after the tent run and casually looking over and seeing Matt James and Tyler Cameron, two people I certainly never expected to see walk the same sidewalk I took to class every day. Also, campus was never quiet that night. There were so many people literally camping out in the Grove waiting for the game. It was just so exciting to see how much people supported our football team.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

After I graduate, I plan on attending law school. It's a big goal of mine to either work abroad or work for an international law firm. I'm still not completely sure what area of law I want to practice, but I've always been drawn to energy law, specifically focusing on renewable energy.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford?

I love all things outdoors so I go on hikes, visit Lake Sardis, or play pickleball with my friends. Sometimes we'll just go to Lamar Park and walk or do our homework together. When I'm not doing that, I like to find fun things happening in or around Oxford. I'm an arts and culture writer for the Daily Mississippian so I always like to find exciting events to write about.

What is your go-to meal in Oxford?

Either the Popeye from Lost Pizza or anything on Zaap Thai kitchen's menu. You can't go wrong with either of those choices.

What are you binge watching or reading right now?

I've been going back and forth between Tokyo Vice, Gossip Girl, and rewatching Arrested Development. Book-wise, I just picked up Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt and so far I enjoy it!

What are some dream travel destinations?

I'm a big fan of Formula 1 and because I am minoring in French I would love to visit a French-speaking country. So, combining both of those things, it's on my bucket list to watch the Monaco Grand Prix in person. I'm definitely not anywhere close to crossing that off soon, but maybe one day!

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self?

Don't be so worried about knowing what you want to do for the rest of your working life the day you step foot on campus. Take classes that seem interesting to you and give yourself the freedom to do what you enjoy. Your path might be a little more well-defined and clear on your first day of class, or maybe you change your major ten times, just know that no matter where you find yourself, you are exactly where you need to be.