What are you most excited — and maybe most nervous — about as you start college?
I’m most excited to have a change of scenery as I start my college journey at Ole Miss. Having lived in a large, busy city, I’m excited to experience a lifestyle totally opposite of that. I had never visited Mississippi before applying to Ole Miss, so I’m excited to experience a new culture and everything that goes along with it. From living on my own, to participating in the infectious school spirit — I’m ready for it all!
Something I’m nervous about is just meeting new people. I don’t think it will be a hard thing to do thanks to the hospitality I’ve already received from both the Ole Miss and Oxford community. However, the newness of the experience is where the nerves start coming in. Being far from my family, my foundation for all my life and adjusting to the demand of college courses will be an adjustment for sure.
I’m most excited to have a change of scenery as I start my college journey at Ole Miss. Having lived in a large, busy city, I’m excited to experience a lifestyle totally opposite of that. I had never visited Mississippi before applying to Ole Miss, so I’m excited to experience a new culture and everything that goes along with it. From living on my own, to participating in the infectious school spirit — I’m ready for it all!
Something I’m nervous about is just meeting new people. I don’t think it will be a hard thing to do thanks to the hospitality I’ve already received from both the Ole Miss and Oxford community. However, the newness of the experience is where the nerves start coming in. Being far from my family, my foundation for all my life and adjusting to the demand of college courses will be an adjustment for sure.
When did Ole Miss stop feeling like just another college and start feeling like home?
For me, Ole Miss started feeling like home when I met Debbie Lysicatos, the admissions counselor for my area. We got connected in a funny way that, looking back now, seems to have been a “meant to be” moment. What began as a missed alarm and a frantic rush to school became an unexpected opportunity for genuine connection — one that introduced me to the college I would eventually call home.
What changed everything, though, was when I toured campus for the first time. My tour guide was so welcoming and enthusiastic about Ole Miss! I noticed he kept mentioning the 10 and 18 mile per hour speed limit signs as fun facts across campus. Those numbers stuck with me as my birthday is October 18th (10/18). In this moment, everything aligned for me that this was the place I was meant to be. I left campus feeling seen and eager to spend my college years here. My tour guide changed everything!
For me, Ole Miss started feeling like home when I met Debbie Lysicatos, the admissions counselor for my area. We got connected in a funny way that, looking back now, seems to have been a “meant to be” moment. What began as a missed alarm and a frantic rush to school became an unexpected opportunity for genuine connection — one that introduced me to the college I would eventually call home.
What changed everything, though, was when I toured campus for the first time. My tour guide was so welcoming and enthusiastic about Ole Miss! I noticed he kept mentioning the 10 and 18 mile per hour speed limit signs as fun facts across campus. Those numbers stuck with me as my birthday is October 18th (10/18). In this moment, everything aligned for me that this was the place I was meant to be. I left campus feeling seen and eager to spend my college years here. My tour guide changed everything!
Your admissions counselor mentioned you stayed in touch throughout the process. What made that relationship so meaningful?
Throughout my college search, I’ve spoken to many admissions counselors but none have taken the extra step to stay connected with me and put into my journey on a personal level. That is, of course, until I became connected with Debbie. At our very first meeting, I mentioned I was visiting Ole Miss soon. She followed up with me shortly after to provide recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and things to do.
Throughout my college search, I’ve spoken to many admissions counselors but none have taken the extra step to stay connected with me and put into my journey on a personal level. That is, of course, until I became connected with Debbie. At our very first meeting, I mentioned I was visiting Ole Miss soon. She followed up with me shortly after to provide recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and things to do.
You've said people made you feel seen and welcomed. What does that mean to you?
The amount of opportunities to become involved across campus made me feel seen and welcomed. As a first-generation, hispanic student I felt welcomed by the fact that there were organizations made just for me where I will be surrounded by others similar to me. I really appreciate that I can learn new things while also being surrounded by those who share a similar culture and background as me. I love that I can not only be my true self, I also know that others will join in with me.
The amount of opportunities to become involved across campus made me feel seen and welcomed. As a first-generation, hispanic student I felt welcomed by the fact that there were organizations made just for me where I will be surrounded by others similar to me. I really appreciate that I can learn new things while also being surrounded by those who share a similar culture and background as me. I love that I can not only be my true self, I also know that others will join in with me.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing during your first semester?
I’m excited to experience an electric sense of school spirit like that at Ole Miss. And I mean that in all aspects of college. I’m excited to get to know my professors and create a network of strong connections. I’m looking forward to participating in traditions that go along with SEC football.
I’m excited to experience an electric sense of school spirit like that at Ole Miss. And I mean that in all aspects of college. I’m excited to get to know my professors and create a network of strong connections. I’m looking forward to participating in traditions that go along with SEC football.