JTC 26: The Journey of Risk to Reward

Suezette Salazar's journey to earning a marketing degree from the University of Mississippi has been anything but ordinary, shaped by risk, loss and resilience. But the challenges she overcame have made it that much more rewarding and point toward a bright future.

"There's a quote that I love and always carry with me," said Salazar, who graduates with honors in August. "'You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable because that is how you grow.'"

The Tunica native attended the University of Mississippi High School, an accredited, fully online high school program operated by the university's Division of Outreach and Continuing Education. This program offers flexible courses taught by licensed teachers, which allows students to earn a high school diploma while also taking dual credit courses.

During this time, Salazar also completed dual enrollment courses through Northwest Mississippi Community College by commuting to its Senatobia campus.

Determined to challenge herself academically, Salazar planned to dive into her college education early, but everything changed when her father died in the midst of her college application process. To allow herself time to grieve and be close to her family, she decided to enroll first at Northwest.

She thrived academically and socially there, including being nominated as sophomore homecoming maid, while also taking on three jobs to pay for college. Her hard work paid off when she was able to buy her first car.

But just a month later, in May 2023, a drunk driver hit her, totaling her car and leaving her in a wheelchair for months.

"Support is everything," she said. "Because I'm so stubborn, I was determined to get out of it and stay on track."

Despite this physical and emotional setback, Salazar graduated that December, completing her associate degree in a year and a half.

Her next step was enrolling at the university's Desoto regional campus. When she felt ready for a change, she made the leap to Oxford.

"I'm going to take the risk, and I'm going to go," she said. "So, I came here, and I completely fell in love."

From the moment Salazar arrived on campus, she immersed herself in the activities and all possibilities that Ole Miss offers. She quickly learned that getting involved and asking questions were the best things she could have ever done.

"I've met so many wonderful people, all the student leaders, all the faculty members; it really is a family, and I felt so welcomed immediately," she said.

Salazar enrolled as a management major, but after taking a class led by Matthew Shaner, assistant professor of marketing, her path shifted. Her team won a regular semester competition and, with Shaner's encouragement, she transitioned to marketing, with minors in journalism and public policy leadership.

A first-generation college student, Salazar felt the weight of every decision, no matter how small, because even simple choices can influence one's professional trajectory. In these times, Salazar always turns to her mother, a single parent, who has displayed what perseverance looks like her entire life.

She also serves as one of Salazar's biggest inspirations and supporters.

"Seeing my mom always working so hard and putting on a smile for us, even if she didn't have the best day at work, has inspired me so much," Salazar said. "She didn't have much growing up, and when she came to the United States, she left everything.

"But she made something for herself here through her hard work."

That inspiration led Salazar to pursue many opportunities at Ole Miss that may once have seemed out of reach, including studying abroad.

"I've always wanted to study abroad and travel," she said. "Prior to this, I had never even been to the beach or really outside of Mississippi."

Determined to make this dream a reality, Salazar navigated the complex process including meeting with advisers, applying for various programs and researching scholarships. However, it all paid off when she received a Gilman Scholarship, a full-ride award that covered her entire study abroad experience.

"Winning the Gilman Scholarship was amazing because for the first time, I didn't have to worry financially," she said.

She traveled to Greece, an experience that she described as both intimidating and transformative. From learning to book flights to navigating new cultures, everything was new. Nevertheless, she embraced the challenge.

"Once you open your bubble, it might be so overwhelming and you'll need to take a step back," she said. "But, putting yourself out there is everything."

Back on campus, Salazar continued to build her community and leadership skills through organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi, the First-Generation Student Network, Women in Business, Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College Senate and the Associated Student Body.

"Suezette is always so willing to help out and encourage others every time I see her," said Khloe Osborne, secretary of the First-Generation Student Network.

Numa Maryam, director of the Honors College Senate, said Salazar has been an integral member of the organization for the past few years.

"Her desire to make the Honors College a better place for students is apparent in every conversation you have with her," Maryam said. "I'm so glad to have worked alongside her in our college careers, and I have no doubt that she will continue to bring light to the communities that she joins after graduation."

She also built mentorship relationships, including her adviser, Kim Phillips, who has known her since high school and has played a pivotal role in her journey.

"I was so excited for Suezette to come to Ole Miss, and it has been such a pleasure to see her thrive academically and become so involved in campus life since getting here," Phillips said. "Her dream was to study abroad, and we visited about the Gilman scholarship many times.

"Honestly, it was probably just as exciting for me as it was for her when she was awarded the scholarship, and it has been a joy to see her learn and thrive through that experience."

Through it all, Salazar has stayed grounded in her purpose of giving back and uplifting others.

"Through everything I do, I try to make sure that I'm making my family proud," Salazar said. "I want them to know that their sacrifices meant something."

As she prepares to graduate, her focus is not only on her many achievements but also on the legacy that she hopes to leave behind.

"I hope I've created spaces where people were around me and they felt seen, heard, accepted and supported," Salazar said. "Especially through my work and involvement, I hope I made Ole Miss better for the students, especially first-generation and first-generation Mexican-American students.

"I hope I can help to make the path less scary."

Her message to future students is clear and reflects her own perseverance.

"Take the risk, but make sure the risk is good," Salazar said. "Ask questions. Get involved. Use all of the resources around you because there are so many. Bet on yourself.

"You might sometimes feel kind of out of place, but you do belong here."

Top: Suezette Salazar, a marketing major from Tunica, graduates with honors in August after overcoming many challenges and developing her leadership skills through numerous campus organizations. The first-generation college student also fulfilled a dream when she studied abroad in Greece. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services