Get to Know Holly Moncrief
Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose UM because, as a student who wishes to pursue medicine, UM has an amazing medical center! The campus is also incredibly beautiful!
When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I chose Psychology because of my personal interest, and chemistry because of my pre-requisites/personal interest!
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?
Psychology is hands-on and very interactive. If you wish to understand people on a deeper and more intellectual level, I would highly encourage you to pursue it!
Why is your department a special place?
I'm going to speak more on chemistry here because I am more involved with this department! I love my professors, the people I have met, and all of the amazing things I have gotten to do! I have so many wonderful memories of my time with it, and I cannot wait to return to the department this fall!
What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department at UM? (keep these short and brief).
- The professor's
- The friendships I have developed
- The classes themselves
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you've taken that has had the most impact on you?
Organic Chemistry 1 had the most significant impact on me. I had to retake the class, but I learned an incredible amount as a result. I had Dr. Emily Rowland, and she is the professor who has never said anything to me that wouldn't help me or encourage growth of some sort. I could sing her praises all day long, but she taught me that I could do the hard things I set out to do, and here I am doing them!
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
My favorite moment at Ole Miss happened during my Junior year, at the LSU football game. I was with a friend of mine, and the feeling pulsing through the stadium was nothing short of electric. Seeing everyone's happiness and excitement was the icing on the cake. We talked about that game on campus for several weeks, and I will never forget it.
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I am pre-med, and immediately following graduation, I start my Master's program in Biomedical Sciences at UMMC. The following year, I start medical school there as well!
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
Aside from school, I love walking on the Whirlpool trail, eating on the square with my best friends, and reading! I am an avid reader, and I will almost always have a book with me! Notably, though, I love to eat at Kabuki and South Depot, and shop for books at Square Books! I also love to go on drives to Taylor!
What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
Without a doubt, South Depot. You can find me there nearly always! I love to order the nachos with queso!
What are you binge watching or reading right now?
I am binge-watching Bridgerton at present and binge-reading the Divergent series! I just finished Season 3A, and I cannot wait for the second part of the season. Divergent-wise, I just finished Allegiant and am about to start Four, which is the name of the last book! When I am done, I shall watch all of the movies!
What are some dream travel destinations?
Above all else, Italy and Greece! I have always, always wanted to go swimming in Amalfi and see the Parthenon in Athens! I am a major Percy Jackson fan and I love all things Greek myth!
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 thought for a good, long time about this. I would tell myself to take it day by day. My greatest regret from freshman year was that I took myself far too seriously, which came back to hurt me. By the time Halloween rolled around, I was already burnt out and ready to be done. Luckily, I found the groove of things and I am doing much better now!
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