JTC 25: Finding Community Through Persistence

When Ja’Ree Myers walks across the Grove stage in May, he will do so with a degree in computer engineering, no student debt and a future he built from the ground up.

A Jackson native, Myers first visited the University of Mississippi during his sophomore year of high school to attend a football game, and it made a lasting impression.

“I fell in love with the campus and the community,” Myers said. “I knew this was where I wanted to be.”

When it came time to apply to college, Ole Miss was at the top of his list. He was accepted and offered a partial scholarship, following in the footsteps of many of his friends. A conversation with his parents shifted everything.

“They sat me down and said, ‘You’re going to be responsible for paying for your own education,’” Myers said.

So, determined to take control of his future, he pivoted and enrolled at Hinds Community College. Thanks to the Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarship and other merit scholarships, his tuition would be covered when he eventually transferred to the university.

However, that still left housing. To close that gap, Myers took on multiple jobs during his time at Hinds: mornings at Club4Fitness starting at 5 a.m., midday shifts at a scanning company and afternoons coaching JV defensive backs at Jackson Academy. He worked well into the evening, saving every dollar to make his dream of attending Ole Miss a reality.

Now, as a computer engineering major, Myers has built a strong academic record, fueled by a lifelong love of math and science, and a childhood spent tinkering on robotics teams in elementary school. What drew him to computer engineering specifically was its blend of software and hardware, a duality that allows flexibility in a fast-paced world, he said.

But even with a clear vision, there were bumps along the road.

“When I transferred in, I definitely experienced imposter syndrome,” he said. “Engineering classes were really rough in the beginning. I had to find my crowd and really commit to studying with my peers.”

That community made all the difference. Organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, Ole Miss IMAGE and Eta Kappa Nu became lifelines, offering leadership opportunities, networking and a sense of belonging.

“Everyone wants to fit in, and these organizations helped me do that,” he said. “They helped me grow professionally and personally.”

His growth extended beyond the classroom and student organizations. Working in the university’s Career Center became another turning point — one that shifted how he thought about the future.

“I used to think you just go to school, get good grades and the job will come,” Myers said. “But I learned it takes more than that. You have to network, you have to intern, you have to show up to events.”

Through the Career Center, he perfected practical skills such as writing a resume and refining an elevator pitch — tools that, he says, many students overlook but are essential to standing out after graduation.

He even served as a host for the center’s "More Than a Resume" podcast, helping others explore career development in a relatable, student-led format. It is one of the reasons he encourages his peers to take full advantage of the resources available to them.

Myers’ work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed. He is the recipient of several prestigious scholarships, including a C Spire scholarship and the Leonard Tsai Memorial Scholarship. He also recently received the David Arnold Service Award from the School of Engineering, a moment he describes as deeply meaningful. 

“I got the email about the award the day I left my grandmother’s funeral,” he said. “She was the sweetest, kindest person, working as a babysitter — sometimes unpaid — for over 45 years. She lived her life the right way.

“The David Arnold Service Award isn’t one I even knew about, but when I read the criteria and saw that people thought I checked those boxes, it really showed how people view my character, my intelligence and my service. To get that news on that day felt like a sign, like everything she instilled in me was being recognized.”

Earnest Stephens, assistant director of the NASA Mississippi Space Grant Consortium, became one of Myers’ mentors.

“I love and appreciate how much Ja’Ree invests in himself and in his future,” Stephens said. “He does not shy away from challenges, and he is willing to put in the work to accomplish his goals. 

“Even if you’re around him for a short period of time, the strength of his character and his heart for service are evident.”

Myers’ advice for future students is practical: “There are so many ways to fund your education. Community college isn’t a setback; it can be a launchpad. Use your resources. Save money. Get involved.”

Maybe most importantly, he said, don’t underestimate yourself.

“It wasn’t the easiest road,” he said. “But my dad always told me, ‘The cream always rises to the top.’ No matter where you start, if you stay consistent, your work won’t go unnoticed.”

It’s a lesson that’s carried him through long days, hard classes and self-doubt, and now, all the way to the finish line.

Top: Ja'Ree Myers, a computer engineering senior from Jackson, has balanced his academic studies while working as a peer educator in the Career Center, co-hosting the 'More than a Resume' podcast and participating in numerous campus activities. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Ja'Ree Myers' Journey to Commencement