What are you most excited—and maybe most nervous—about as you start college?
I'm probably most nervous about the transition. I've gone to a private school my whole life, and my best friend and I have known each other since kindergarten. Moving eight hours away from home and not knowing anyone is definitely a little intimidating. But I'm also really excited about making new friendships. I loved the girls I met at Admitted Student Day, and seeing the friendships they already had made me excited to find that kind of community at Ole Miss.
I'm probably most nervous about the transition. I've gone to a private school my whole life, and my best friend and I have known each other since kindergarten. Moving eight hours away from home and not knowing anyone is definitely a little intimidating. But I'm also really excited about making new friendships. I loved the girls I met at Admitted Student Day, and seeing the friendships they already had made me excited to find that kind of community at Ole Miss.
You first visited Ole Miss during your junior year, and you've said you knew almost immediately this was home. What was it about that visit that made such an impact?
A lot of it was actually our tour guide. We had so much in common—we were interested in similar classes and career paths—and she was so welcoming. Along the tour, she introduced us to some of her friends, and it was obvious how connected everyone was. I also didn't know much about Ole Miss before visiting, so seeing how beautiful the campus was really surprised me. Learning about the new nursing school and the Oxford branch made an even bigger impression because that's exactly what I was looking for.
A lot of it was actually our tour guide. We had so much in common—we were interested in similar classes and career paths—and she was so welcoming. Along the tour, she introduced us to some of her friends, and it was obvious how connected everyone was. I also didn't know much about Ole Miss before visiting, so seeing how beautiful the campus was really surprised me. Learning about the new nursing school and the Oxford branch made an even bigger impression because that's exactly what I was looking for.
We've heard you attended the Dallas Hotty Toddy Tour before that. How did that experience shape your interest in Ole Miss?
I think that event really confirmed my decision. I met Allyson there, and we immediately clicked. Her daughters went to my high school, so we had that connection, and she stayed in touch afterward. Hearing about her Ole Miss experience and having someone genuinely excited for me made me even more excited to picture myself there.
I think that event really confirmed my decision. I met Allyson there, and we immediately clicked. Her daughters went to my high school, so we had that connection, and she stayed in touch afterward. Hearing about her Ole Miss experience and having someone genuinely excited for me made me even more excited to picture myself there.
Your admissions counselor described you as someone who completely embodies the Ole Miss spirit. What does that phrase mean to you?
To me, it means loving Ole Miss and wanting to be part of something bigger than yourself. Once I decided this was where I wanted to be, I did everything I could to make it happen. Allyson even joked that I "bleed blue and red" because I was always talking about Ole Miss to anyone who would listen.
To me, it means loving Ole Miss and wanting to be part of something bigger than yourself. Once I decided this was where I wanted to be, I did everything I could to make it happen. Allyson even joked that I "bleed blue and red" because I was always talking about Ole Miss to anyone who would listen.
The new nursing building caught your attention during your visit. What stood out to you about the program?
I really liked how competitive the program is. It challenges you to maintain a strong GPA, especially if you want to study in Oxford. I'm pretty hard on myself, so I like having that extra motivation to push myself. I was also impressed by the job placement rates and the different pathways, like the accelerated programs. I appreciate that students can choose the pace that's right for them, whether they want to take more time or move quickly into the field.
I really liked how competitive the program is. It challenges you to maintain a strong GPA, especially if you want to study in Oxford. I'm pretty hard on myself, so I like having that extra motivation to push myself. I was also impressed by the job placement rates and the different pathways, like the accelerated programs. I appreciate that students can choose the pace that's right for them, whether they want to take more time or move quickly into the field.
You're pursuing Allied Health Studies with plans to become a CRNA. What excites you most about that career path?
You started Hayden's Village Services and supported more than 16 families. How did that idea come about?
I've always loved working with kids, and I knew I wanted to babysit. I was really fortunate to work with wonderful families, and over time I started house sitting, nannying, babysitting and dog sitting. I created Hayden's Village Services to get my name out there and grow the business. It ended up becoming so much more than that because I built great relationships with those families. Some of the moms I worked with even supported me through sorority recruitment, which meant a lot.
I've always loved working with kids, and I knew I wanted to babysit. I was really fortunate to work with wonderful families, and over time I started house sitting, nannying, babysitting and dog sitting. I created Hayden's Village Services to get my name out there and grow the business. It ended up becoming so much more than that because I built great relationships with those families. Some of the moms I worked with even supported me through sorority recruitment, which meant a lot.
When you graduate from Ole Miss, what do you hope your legacy will be?
I hope people remember that I always gave my best. I know there will be challenges, especially in a demanding career like nursing, and things may not always come easily. But I hope people see that I worked hard, persevered through the difficult moments and never gave up on the goals that mattered to me.
I hope people remember that I always gave my best. I know there will be challenges, especially in a demanding career like nursing, and things may not always come easily. But I hope people see that I worked hard, persevered through the difficult moments and never gave up on the goals that mattered to me.