JTC 25: An Unexpected Academic Journey

As Claire Reynolds prepares to graduate from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in French, the Ozark, Missouri, native reflects on a journey filled with unexpected turns and valuable discoveries.

Starting as a chemical engineering major, Reynolds pivoted to economics after taking an introductory microeconomics course that revealed the field’s connection to human behavior analysis. This change in direction would become a defining moment in her academic journey.

During her time as an undergraduate, Reynolds has made her mark as an editor for the Daily Mississippian and participated in a transformative study abroad experience in Paris. As she prepares to attend graduate school, Reynolds credits her Ole Miss education with teaching her to think critically and approach problems creatively.

Q&A with Claire Reynolds

What brought you to Ole Miss?

I initially looked at Ole Miss because my brother was applying to law school as I was applying to college. Ole Miss was one of his choices, and he suggested that I also apply to the university.

After we both got accepted, we toured the campus and the city, and, as most stories go, I fell in love with Oxford and the community.

What standout experiences have you had at Ole Miss?

My time at the Daily Mississippian is the greatest gift this university has given me. I became an arts and culture writer at the beginning of my sophomore year and, last April, applied and was selected to be the arts and culture editor.

In my work at the Daily Mississippian, I have had the opportunity to explore and document hidden gems of Northeast Mississippi, including everything from grilled cheese speakeasies to the amazing feats of my peers.

Additionally, with the French department, I had the opportunity to study abroad last summer and take the “Green Paris: Past and Present” course with (Kristen) Walker and (Sara) Wellman. That trip introduced me to two phenomenal faculty members, some of my closest friends and the beauty of communicating with strangers in their native language.

Were there any challenges you overcame during your college journey?

I started freshman year as a chemical engineering major. I quickly realized that I didn't think that major was right for me, but I didn't know what the next steps should've been. I was worried about choosing “wrong” again, and the uncertainty of what felt like the rest of my life weighed heavy on me.

Eventually, after taking a few general elective classes, I discovered economics, and now, I could not imagine studying anything else. I had to convince myself that not having everything mapped out was perfectly fine and to embrace the uncertainty I was experiencing with excitement instead of fear.

Who has been your most influential mentor, professor or supporter at Ole Miss?

I cannot praise both the economics and French departments enough for all of the encouragement they have given me. Every professor I have had, especially in my more advanced courses, has been enthusiastic about their students’ all-around success.

Specifically, Hailey Kaim, Dr. Sara Wellman and Dr. Garrett Scott played a crucial part in helping me achieve my post-graduate plans.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I will be attending the University of Missouri and pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs from the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs.

How has your Ole Miss education prepared you for your next steps?

Ole Miss provided me so many opportunities, in and outside of the classroom, to learn to think critically about the world around me, always ask questions and be creative in my approach to solving problems.

With my economics education specifically, I have learned that one small change can have big impacts. With my French education, I have learned the significance of connection and how meaningful it is to make an effort to understand someone’s worldview.

Building off of the skills and experiences the university has provided me, I will learn how to ethically approach economic development and analyze policy in my master’s program.

In one sentence, what would you tell future Ole Miss students about your experience here?

As a freshman, I would have never predicted the degree I would be graduating with or my post-grad plans; however, I could not be happier with what’s to come and would not change a thing about my time at Ole Miss that has led me to this point.

Top: Claire Reynolds, an economics major from Ozark, Missouri, discovered her passion for understanding human behavior through economics after an unexpected shift in majors, leading to a transformative academic journey that included student journalism, study abroad and a future in public policy. Submitted photo

See more photos from Claire Reynolds' Journey to Commencement