Q&A with Sara Dudley Thompson
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
I chose to attend UM because it felt like a place where I could truly grow both academically and personally. I was really drawn to the strong sense of community; everyone I met seemed supportive, welcoming, and genuinely excited to be there.
As someone interested in the arts and communication, I also loved that this school offers a wide range of opportunities to explore different interests while still building a strong foundation in what I’m passionate about. It felt like a place where I wouldn’t just be another student, but someone who could get involved, be supported, and really make the most of my college experience.
I chose to attend UM because it felt like a place where I could truly grow both academically and personally. I was really drawn to the strong sense of community; everyone I met seemed supportive, welcoming, and genuinely excited to be there.
As someone interested in the arts and communication, I also loved that this school offers a wide range of opportunities to explore different interests while still building a strong foundation in what I’m passionate about. It felt like a place where I wouldn’t just be another student, but someone who could get involved, be supported, and really make the most of my college experience.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
If you’re interested in my major, I’d tell you it’s a great choice if you’re passionate and willing to put yourself out there. It’s not just about talent; it’s about consistency, hard work, and being open to learning and growing. You’ll collaborate a lot, so being a good team player and communicator is really important. It can also be challenging at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you truly love it. The most important thing to know is that you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be committed and ready to take opportunities when they come.
If you’re interested in my major, I’d tell you it’s a great choice if you’re passionate and willing to put yourself out there. It’s not just about talent; it’s about consistency, hard work, and being open to learning and growing. You’ll collaborate a lot, so being a good team player and communicator is really important. It can also be challenging at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you truly love it. The most important thing to know is that you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be committed and ready to take opportunities when they come.
Why is your department a special place?
I’d say my department is special because it really feels like a community, not just a program. The professors genuinely care about you as a person, not just a student, and they want to see you succeed.
There are so many opportunities to get involved, gain real experience, and collaborate with others who are just as passionate as you are. It’s a space where you’re encouraged to grow, take risks, and find your voice, and that kind of support makes a huge difference.
I’d say my department is special because it really feels like a community, not just a program. The professors genuinely care about you as a person, not just a student, and they want to see you succeed.
There are so many opportunities to get involved, gain real experience, and collaborate with others who are just as passionate as you are. It’s a space where you’re encouraged to grow, take risks, and find your voice, and that kind of support makes a huge difference.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had has been taking classes with Joe Jackson. His classes make me feel truly seen, not just as a student, but as a person. He creates an environment where everyone’s voice matters, and that kind of support has helped me grow so much in my confidence and ability.
He challenges you, but in a way that pushes you to be better while still feeling supported. Having a professor who believes in you and encourages you to take risks makes a huge difference, and that’s something I’ve really found in his classes.
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had has been taking classes with Joe Jackson. His classes make me feel truly seen, not just as a student, but as a person. He creates an environment where everyone’s voice matters, and that kind of support has helped me grow so much in my confidence and ability.
He challenges you, but in a way that pushes you to be better while still feeling supported. Having a professor who believes in you and encourages you to take risks makes a huge difference, and that’s something I’ve really found in his classes.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in performance, whether that’s in theatre, cruise lines, or other live entertainment opportunities. I’m especially interested in working professionally while continuing to grow as a performer and gain real-world experience.
Long-term, I also want to use my platform to advocate for body inclusivity in the arts and help create spaces where more people feel represented and valued. My goal is to build a career that not only fulfills me creatively but also makes a positive impact on others.
After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in performance, whether that’s in theatre, cruise lines, or other live entertainment opportunities. I’m especially interested in working professionally while continuing to grow as a performer and gain real-world experience.
Long-term, I also want to use my platform to advocate for body inclusivity in the arts and help create spaces where more people feel represented and valued. My goal is to build a career that not only fulfills me creatively but also makes a positive impact on others.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is that the college experience is really what you make it. Going to class and doing the basics is enough to get by, but if you want to truly succeed, you have to put in the extra work outside of class, too.
That means getting involved, building relationships, practicing your craft, and taking advantage of opportunities. The more you put into your college experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is that the college experience is really what you make it. Going to class and doing the basics is enough to get by, but if you want to truly succeed, you have to put in the extra work outside of class, too.
That means getting involved, building relationships, practicing your craft, and taking advantage of opportunities. The more you put into your college experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
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