Why did you choose to attend UM?
Well, that's an easy question! I chose UM because it wasn't too far from home, it was an area I knew fairly well, I loved the campus when I visited, and they gave me a better financial offer than some other colleges. Even better, I've met some of the most amazing people down here, and when they say there's a club for everything, there is genuinely a club for everything.
Well, that's an easy question! I chose UM because it wasn't too far from home, it was an area I knew fairly well, I loved the campus when I visited, and they gave me a better financial offer than some other colleges. Even better, I've met some of the most amazing people down here, and when they say there's a club for everything, there is genuinely a club for everything.
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?
Southern Studies at first seems weird, and it feels like you might not be able to do much with it, but if you look at our pamphlet, you'll be able to see we can do just about anything with it. Generally, this degree is useful if you want to stay in the South with your career. An additional thing to note is that if you're from out of state (depending on the state), the department will help you with the costs by giving you the Academic Common Market Scholarship, which will cover your out-of-state costs. I speak from experience here, and it's nice not to have to worry about that money, especially since money can be tight during certain times of the year. Though one thing to note is that they get really into the South, and I mean, they dig deep into the topic. I'm talking food, history, music, and everything else.
Southern Studies at first seems weird, and it feels like you might not be able to do much with it, but if you look at our pamphlet, you'll be able to see we can do just about anything with it. Generally, this degree is useful if you want to stay in the South with your career. An additional thing to note is that if you're from out of state (depending on the state), the department will help you with the costs by giving you the Academic Common Market Scholarship, which will cover your out-of-state costs. I speak from experience here, and it's nice not to have to worry about that money, especially since money can be tight during certain times of the year. Though one thing to note is that they get really into the South, and I mean, they dig deep into the topic. I'm talking food, history, music, and everything else.
Why is your department a special place?
Well for one, we're a department where everyone knows everyone, or at least has heard of everyone, similar to the Southern small town identity. We try to make it as welcoming as possible. Though if you're more interested in the history, we've been around ever since 1977, and we're located in the old Barnard Observatory building. No, there isn't a telescope, but you can still access the room. If you want the telescope, that's in Kennon Observatory at the Bus Stop. We also have a bunch of events where we bring in people to talk about their specializations in the South; we've even had a Mississippian Senator at one point come in and talk about a documentary made about him.
Well for one, we're a department where everyone knows everyone, or at least has heard of everyone, similar to the Southern small town identity. We try to make it as welcoming as possible. Though if you're more interested in the history, we've been around ever since 1977, and we're located in the old Barnard Observatory building. No, there isn't a telescope, but you can still access the room. If you want the telescope, that's in Kennon Observatory at the Bus Stop. We also have a bunch of events where we bring in people to talk about their specializations in the South; we've even had a Mississippian Senator at one point come in and talk about a documentary made about him.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
For me, one of the best professors I've had was Dr. X in Introduction to Southern Studies. He was a great professor who always kept the class engaged and just a great person overall, he definitely kept the class entertaining.
For me, one of the best professors I've had was Dr. X in Introduction to Southern Studies. He was a great professor who always kept the class engaged and just a great person overall, he definitely kept the class entertaining.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I'll be commissioning into the military to help pay off some debt, but also to gain some valuable life experience from my service for my career goals. I wouldn't recommend this path for everyone, but it's the best one for me. After the military, though? I do aim to be an archaeologist or at least any job relating to history in the American South; I'm not too picky about what I want to do.
After graduation, I'll be commissioning into the military to help pay off some debt, but also to gain some valuable life experience from my service for my career goals. I wouldn't recommend this path for everyone, but it's the best one for me. After the military, though? I do aim to be an archaeologist or at least any job relating to history in the American South; I'm not too picky about what I want to do.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I'd probably tell myself to study a little bit more for that one class I struggled with. I barely scraped by with a B thanks to the last-second save on the final, but I wouldn't recommend doing what I did. I'd also probably tell myself to plan around rush hour traffic.
I'd probably tell myself to study a little bit more for that one class I struggled with. I barely scraped by with a B thanks to the last-second save on the final, but I wouldn't recommend doing what I did. I'd also probably tell myself to plan around rush hour traffic.
Need to Know More?
Ask a question by using the form below.