What are you most excited — and maybe most nervous — about as you start college?
I'm most excited to meet new people. I've gone to private school my whole life, so I've been with many of the same classmates since I was little. College is an opportunity to step outside of that and build new friendships with people from different backgrounds, and that's something I'm really looking forward to.
I'm most excited to meet new people. I've gone to private school my whole life, so I've been with many of the same classmates since I was little. College is an opportunity to step outside of that and build new friendships with people from different backgrounds, and that's something I'm really looking forward to.
What was it about Ole Miss that made you feel like this was the right place to pursue your goals?
I always knew I wanted to go to college in the South, but I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for until I visited Ole Miss. The first time I came to Oxford, I immediately loved the close-knit community on campus. After coming back for an Admitted Student Day, I knew this was where I wanted to be. The opportunities to get involved, especially through the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, really solidified my decision.
I always knew I wanted to go to college in the South, but I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for until I visited Ole Miss. The first time I came to Oxford, I immediately loved the close-knit community on campus. After coming back for an Admitted Student Day, I knew this was where I wanted to be. The opportunities to get involved, especially through the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, really solidified my decision.
You wrote about wanting to become an immigration attorney. What first sparked that interest, and how has that goal evolved over time?
My interest in law started with immigration because I became fascinated by how immigration policy changes over time and affects people's lives. As I've learned more and had conversations with people close to me, my interests have evolved, and I'm now considering fertility law. No matter which path I ultimately choose, I know I want a career where I can advocate for others and make a meaningful difference.
My interest in law started with immigration because I became fascinated by how immigration policy changes over time and affects people's lives. As I've learned more and had conversations with people close to me, my interests have evolved, and I'm now considering fertility law. No matter which path I ultimately choose, I know I want a career where I can advocate for others and make a meaningful difference.
Pickle for a Purpose is a unique organization. What inspired you to create it, and what have you learned from building something from the ground up?
My dad and I fell in love with playing pickleball together, and I wanted to combine that with my passion for serving the community. I started organizing pickleball tournaments where entry fees and donations support different charities, including Blood Cancer United, immunodeficiency organizations and Deck My Room.
Starting something from scratch was definitely intimidating because I didn't feel like I had the experience to take on a project that big. But I've learned that you can't be afraid to put yourself out there. You're going to make mistakes, and that's part of the process. Every challenge helped shape Pickle for a Purpose into something even better.
My dad and I fell in love with playing pickleball together, and I wanted to combine that with my passion for serving the community. I started organizing pickleball tournaments where entry fees and donations support different charities, including Blood Cancer United, immunodeficiency organizations and Deck My Room.
Starting something from scratch was definitely intimidating because I didn't feel like I had the experience to take on a project that big. But I've learned that you can't be afraid to put yourself out there. You're going to make mistakes, and that's part of the process. Every challenge helped shape Pickle for a Purpose into something even better.
Your grandfather's influence appears throughout your writing. What are some lessons from him that you'll carry with you as you begin college?
My grandfather lived with an autoimmune disease, but he never let it stop him from showing up for the people he loved. He was always my biggest supporter. His resilience is something I'll carry with me as I navigate new experiences in college and continue to challenge myself.
My grandfather lived with an autoimmune disease, but he never let it stop him from showing up for the people he loved. He was always my biggest supporter. His resilience is something I'll carry with me as I navigate new experiences in college and continue to challenge myself.
You organized a "Pickle for Papa" tournament in his honor. What did that experience mean to you personally?
It was one of the most emotional experiences I've ever had. I wanted to honor my grandfather, but I didn't realize how much it would mean to see our friends, family and community come together in his name to support people facing the same disease. That experience inspired me to keep pushing myself, apply for new opportunities and continue finding ways to serve others.
It was one of the most emotional experiences I've ever had. I wanted to honor my grandfather, but I didn't realize how much it would mean to see our friends, family and community come together in his name to support people facing the same disease. That experience inspired me to keep pushing myself, apply for new opportunities and continue finding ways to serve others.
How do you hope to continue serving the Oxford-Lafayette community while you're a student?
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave at Ole Miss?
I hope people remember me as someone who wasn't afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. Moving away from my hometown and leaving behind family and lifelong friends won't be easy, but I know it's going to be worth it. If I can inspire another student—especially someone coming from out of state—to embrace new experiences and take that leap, I'd consider that a success.
I hope people remember me as someone who wasn't afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. Moving away from my hometown and leaving behind family and lifelong friends won't be easy, but I know it's going to be worth it. If I can inspire another student—especially someone coming from out of state—to embrace new experiences and take that leap, I'd consider that a success.