What does this scholarship award mean to you?
Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. As an out of state student, all additional funds will help me to graduate Ole Miss with as little debt as possible. Additional funds to help with books and other needed materials during my final year at Ole Miss is greatly appreciated. It is an honor to have been selected for this scholarship.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
I have always wanted to attend a big SEC school. I wanted to dance on the sidelines of an exciting SEC football game. I wanted to feel the excitement of all things SEC. I received an email from the dance team about a clinic and thought “why not”. I applied and the rest is history. When I stepped foot on campus, I knew I was home. When I had my official visit, I saw all the amazing things the school of education offers. This university welcomed this small-town girl with open arms and has given me so much.
Tell us about a favorite memory, professor, and/or academic course during your time at the School of Education:
I have created so many memories and had so many amazing professors at Ole Miss. Narrowing these down to one is difficult for sure. Dr. Rodney Hurt would have to be one of my absolute favorite teachers ever in my life. From day one, I knew Dr. Hurt was one of a kind. He was the kind of teacher that cared for us as much on the outside of class as in the inside of class. He was more than a professor. He was someone I knew I had in my corner any time I needed him.
What inspired you to pursue a degree at the School of Education?
Education is one of the most important things in the world. I remember playing teacher at my mother’s school. Play teaching was so fun. Then I started teaching the littles in children’s church and realized I was so happy when I was helping others learn. When it was time to decide what I wanted to do with my life I thought about what really made me happy. Whether I was teaching Sunday school or teaching a dance, I knew teaching made me happy. Going into education was the future I saw for myself, and I cannot wait to get started.
Tell us about your community involvements and/or hobbies:
I love to be involved in my community. I am the founder of an organization in my hometown known as Feeding Friends where we organize bags of food for students to take home over the weekends to ensure they have adequate food and nutrition over the weekends and long breaks. I have also worked at multiple foodbanks. I am a member of the Ole Miss Rebelettes and love being out in our local community greeting students or spreading cheer. I was recently crowned Miss Knoxville Volunteer in my home state of Tennessee.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to start my professional career in education. I would like to teach in Mississippi or Tennessee. I look forward to helping my students learn and accomplish all they dream of in their lives.