What are you most excited—and maybe a little nervous—about as you start college?
I'm excited for the whole college experience. There's so much more freedom than there was in high school, and I'm looking forward to everything that comes with that. At the same time, that's also what makes me a little nervous. Having so much independence is exciting, but it's definitely an adjustment.
I'm excited for the whole college experience. There's so much more freedom than there was in high school, and I'm looking forward to everything that comes with that. At the same time, that's also what makes me a little nervous. Having so much independence is exciting, but it's definitely an adjustment.
You first visited campus for the Ole Miss Speech & Debate Tournament. What made you realize this could be home?
It just felt really welcoming. A lot of colleges can feel like big institutions, but Ole Miss felt much more close-knit and personal. I also noticed that my friends who were already students seemed to know so many people and were comfortable talking to anyone on campus. That sense of community really stood out to me.
It just felt really welcoming. A lot of colleges can feel like big institutions, but Ole Miss felt much more close-knit and personal. I also noticed that my friends who were already students seemed to know so many people and were comfortable talking to anyone on campus. That sense of community really stood out to me.
You were selected as a Croft Scholar and admitted to the Honors College. What excited you most about those opportunities?
What made the Croft Institute stand out compared to other international studies programs you considered?
As I looked at colleges, I realized I wanted to focus on international studies. The Croft Institute stood out because it's so much more than just a major. It combines academics with scholarships, language study, study abroad and a close-knit community of students. It felt like a place where I could really immerse myself in the subject instead of just taking classes.
As I looked at colleges, I realized I wanted to focus on international studies. The Croft Institute stood out because it's so much more than just a major. It combines academics with scholarships, language study, study abroad and a close-knit community of students. It felt like a place where I could really immerse myself in the subject instead of just taking classes.
If you could study abroad anywhere while at Ole Miss, where would you go and why?
I'd probably choose somewhere in Asia. I just spent the last month in my home country, the Philippines, and it reminded me how rich and complex the history and cultures of Southeast Asia are. I'd love the chance to experience another country in the region because it would be so different from Western culture. I think it would be really eye-opening.
I'd probably choose somewhere in Asia. I just spent the last month in my home country, the Philippines, and it reminded me how rich and complex the history and cultures of Southeast Asia are. I'd love the chance to experience another country in the region because it would be so different from Western culture. I think it would be really eye-opening.
You grew up in a military family and lived in several different places. How did constantly moving shape the way you see the world?
Moving around taught me that while every place has its own unique culture and personality, people have a lot more in common than they realize. Living in Germany especially showed me that even places that are close together can each have their own identity. At the same time, I learned that the similarities between people are often stronger than the differences, even if we don't always recognize them.
Moving around taught me that while every place has its own unique culture and personality, people have a lot more in common than they realize. Living in Germany especially showed me that even places that are close together can each have their own identity. At the same time, I learned that the similarities between people are often stronger than the differences, even if we don't always recognize them.
One fun fact about you is that you collect CDs for your Discman. How did that hobby start?
I've always been a big fan of '90s music—bands like Nirvana, Green Day and a lot of alternative rock. I also loved watching older teen movies, where CDs were just part of everyday life. It felt like the right way to listen to that music, so I started collecting CDs. I like having something physical to hold while I'm listening. It makes me feel more connected to the music than just streaming it.
I've always been a big fan of '90s music—bands like Nirvana, Green Day and a lot of alternative rock. I also loved watching older teen movies, where CDs were just part of everyday life. It felt like the right way to listen to that music, so I started collecting CDs. I like having something physical to hold while I'm listening. It makes me feel more connected to the music than just streaming it.
When you graduate from Ole Miss, what do you hope your legacy will be?
I hope I've made a positive impact on the people around me. Because I moved so much growing up, I never really had the chance to put down roots in one place. College will be the first opportunity I have to really establish myself in a community. When I graduate, I hope there are people who remember me—not just for what I accomplished, but for the difference I made in their lives and in the Ole Miss community.
I hope I've made a positive impact on the people around me. Because I moved so much growing up, I never really had the chance to put down roots in one place. College will be the first opportunity I have to really establish myself in a community. When I graduate, I hope there are people who remember me—not just for what I accomplished, but for the difference I made in their lives and in the Ole Miss community.