JTC 24: Through Many Lenses

Bailey Hooper is on the path to pursue her true passion of mental health counseling through play therapy. During her time at the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center-Southaven, she studied education, psychology, and communication sciences and disorders through the multidisciplinary studies program, cultivating a diverse skill set.

Hooper's pursuit of these disciplines and her passion for helping others resonates from a personal place.

"For me, what drove me to pursue clinical mental health is because I know how it feels to be alone in a crowded room," she said.

Beyond the classroom, the Hernando resident immersed herself in campus life, serving as a part-time student worker. In this position, she contributed to the success of several events, such as the annual Halloween Spooktacular, Food Truck Day, orientation and graduation celebration. Hooper even baked cinnamon rolls for students during final exam week.

"I was able to meet so many people who are all in different phases of life," she said. "I genuinely just loved meeting people on campus."

While Hooper remained busy with work, school and home life, she decided to pursue another passion, photography.

"My photography business is something I hold near and dear to my heart," she said. "I started this business in my freshman year of college. With a grateful heart, I have been doing this business for four years and I have loved every minute of it."

Hooper started her business by saving money to purchase a professional camera. After working with many different families in DeSoto County, she specialized in high school senior photography.

She enjoyed working with seniors because she was able to have intimate conversations with them on "coffee dates," where they would discuss what they wanted out of their session.

"I never realized how taking pictures on a camera would change my life," she said. "Some seniors open up about their struggles with mental health.

"From these conversations, it has sparked me to want to be able to help teens and young adults going through life's hardships, while also working with children in the play therapy aspect."

Now, with the combination of her skills and passions, Hooper hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a registered play therapist. An RPT works to help children improve their social interaction and express their emotions in a healthy way.

During her time studying and working, Hooper was able to diversify her skillset. As a multidisciplinary studies major, she was able to study three different disciplines, have a creative outlet through her photography business and serve the community in ways that she had always wanted.

"I was able to learn how to problem solve from three different perspectives and theories," Hooper said. "I love that I was able to choose what I wanted to learn."

Outside school and work, Hooper and her boyfriend have a Great Dane puppy, and she also enjoys reading and cooking.

Kacy Dixon, student services coordinator at the DeSoto Center, shared that Hooper was a wonderful asset to the campus.

"She was motivated and always had a plan," Dixon said. "It was a joy to have her as a student worker for student services. She was so helpful and always available and professional."

In the fall, Hooper plans to attend the University of Memphis to pursue a master's degree in clinical mental health. Eventually, she hopes to open her own play therapy practice, utilizing the skills that she learned during her time at Ole Miss, as well as running her own photography business.

Hooper urges current Ole Miss students to take it all in.

"In a blink of an eye, you will be done with your degree and in the real world," she said. "Soak in all the late-night studying, the early morning tests and the friendships.

"If I can be a listening ear and a safe place for a child to express their thoughts and feelings, I know I will have done everything the Lord has called me to do."

See more photos from Bailey Hooper's Journey to Commencement