Undergraduate

Darden Crowe

  • Class

    Class of 2030
  • Program

    Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.Ed.) ( School of Education )
  • Hometown

    Oxford, MS (South)
Portrait of Darden Crowe

Class of 2030 Student Journey Ambassador

Student Journey Ambassadors share the honest story of life at Ole Miss, from the exciting moments to the challenges that come with college life. Through their experiences, they highlight the people, memories, and moments that make the Ole Miss journey unique.

 

What it's like to be a freshman at Ole Miss?

Being a freshman at Ole Miss is all about new experiences, unexpected challenges, and the friendships that make college so special. It’s learning to navigate classes, experiencing your first game day, meeting new people, and figuring things out along the way. It’s a year full of firsts, personal growth, and memories that will stay with you long after freshman year.

How I found balance with friendship and community at Ole Miss

October | Fall Semester 2026

Wow, I cannot believe we are already seven weeks into school! It feels like I just moved into my dorm, was using maps to figure out where my classes were, and was meeting everyone for the first time. Somehow, we are already at midterms! These first seven weeks have been so fulfilling, but they have definitely been a mix of trying to keep up with school while also enjoying all of the new and exciting things that come with being at Ole Miss.

I think one of the biggest things I am still learning is how to balance everything. There is always something going on, which I love, but I would also love to throw in a nap here and there. I love being busy, and having so much going on has given me so many opportunities to meet people, stay involved, and feel more connected. At the same time, everything is starting to add up. I can definitely feel myself losing a little motivation as the semester goes on, but that’s just a part of being in school.

I have also started observing in an elementary classroom. I love getting to be in a real classroom and experience teaching, learning, and student behavior in the real world. It definitely adds another thing to my to-do list, but I am so thankful for the opportunity because it reminds me why I chose education in the first place.

While my motivation slips, I have started going home more than I thought I would, mainly going for the shower and a snack, but there is something comforting about being home for a little bit. I feel like going home is the only time I don’t have to pretend I’m not overwhelmed or tired anymore.

Being from Oxford is such a unique experience because I am still figuring out what it means to be from here while also being a college student here. I have my classes and my Ole Miss life, but I also have my family, work, babysitting, and everything else that comes with already having a life in Oxford. It can feel like I am constantly switching between two worlds, but I am starting to find my own routine within both.

The best part of these first seven weeks has definitely been the people. My friends have been so awesome, and I have loved getting more involved in Greek life. Every day I feel like I know someone a little better, and that has made this whole experience feel more comfortable. I am still learning, still figuring out my routine, and definitely still figuring out college life, but I am loving it.

I will say, though, I am definitely ready for a break. At this point, I would not complain if someone dropped me on a beach with my feet in the sand for a few days. Until then, I guess I will keep trying to stay motivated, keep up with school, and enjoy every bit of being a freshman at Ole Miss.

Wow, I cannot believe we are already seven weeks into school! It feels like I just moved into my dorm, was using maps to figure out where my classes were, and was meeting everyone for the first time. Somehow, we are already at midterms! These first seven weeks have been so fulfilling, but they have definitely been a mix of trying to keep up with school while also enjoying all of the new and exciting things that come with being at Ole Miss.

I think one of the biggest things I am still learning is how to balance everything. There is always something going on, which I love, but I would also love to throw in a nap here and there. I love being busy, and having so much going on has given me so many opportunities to meet people, stay involved, and feel more connected. At the same time, everything is starting to add up. I can definitely feel myself losing a little motivation as the semester goes on, but that’s just a part of being in school.

I have also started observing in an elementary classroom. I love getting to be in a real classroom and experience teaching, learning, and student behavior in the real world. It definitely adds another thing to my to-do list, but I am so thankful for the opportunity because it reminds me why I chose education in the first place.

While my motivation slips, I have started going home more than I thought I would, mainly going for the shower and a snack, but there is something comforting about being home for a little bit. I feel like going home is the only time I don’t have to pretend I’m not overwhelmed or tired anymore.

Being from Oxford is such a unique experience because I am still figuring out what it means to be from here while also being a college student here. I have my classes and my Ole Miss life, but I also have my family, work, babysitting, and everything else that comes with already having a life in Oxford. It can feel like I am constantly switching between two worlds, but I am starting to find my own routine within both.

The best part of these first seven weeks has definitely been the people. My friends have been so awesome, and I have loved getting more involved in Greek life. Every day I feel like I know someone a little better, and that has made this whole experience feel more comfortable. I am still learning, still figuring out my routine, and definitely still figuring out college life, but I am loving it.

I will say, though, I am definitely ready for a break. At this point, I would not complain if someone dropped me on a beach with my feet in the sand for a few days. Until then, I guess I will keep trying to stay motivated, keep up with school, and enjoy every bit of being a freshman at Ole Miss.