Once a Rebel, Always a Rebel

Well I’m officially an Ole Miss Alum! Granted my grades are nothing to brag about and it took me six years but I still did it and I’m proud of myself! I can’t believe how much I have grown since I first arrived at Ole Miss back in 2009. I remember it as if it was yesterday! My parents driving me to the airport…I was filled with so many emotions that day, from being excited then nervous and then sad, etc. What a rollercoaster of emotions! I can honestly say though that leaving Buffalo, N.Y. to go to school at the University of Mississippi was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I’m definitely not going to say everything was perfect during my six years of college because it was far from it. I probably had more downs than ups but that’s ok because every experience has made me into the young woman I am today and I wouldn’t change that for anything. I know I really made the most out of my college experience, from walking on to Ole Miss Cross Country and Track my freshmen year to being an Ole Miss Ambassador, an Orientation Leader, a Diamond Girl and playing Ole Miss Lacrosse. But most importantly the University of Mississippi provided me with not only my Bachelor’s Degree but has given me the opportunity of learning lessons that will last me the rest of my life. I have met some amazing people! I’m so grateful that I was able to really experience Ole Miss and being a part of the different organizations has taught me so much about discipline, determination, responsibility, motivation, leadership and social skills.

First off I just want to give a BIG thank you to my family, friends, coaches, teachers and professors who have always been there for me and supported me no matter what. I wouldn’t have made it without y’all! There were times during college when I, and I think I can speak for other students as well, have felt so helpless being so far away from home..when we know our families or friends needed us most. We now know the meaning of true friendship, we’ve had our hearts broken, we’ve fallen in love, we’ve helped our best friends overcome depression, stress and death, and we’ve stayed up all night just to be there for a friend in need. But then there are times when we know we have made a difference.

They say,

“The University is buildings, trees, and people. Ole Miss is mood, emotion, and personality. One is physical, and the other is spiritual. One is tangible, and the other intangible. There is a valid distinction between The University and Ole Miss even though the separate threads are closely interwoven.

The University is respected, but Ole Miss is loved. The University gives a diploma and regretfully terminates tenure, but one never graduates from Ole Miss.”

I agree 100% with this statement. Oxford has become my home away from home and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

I’m going to miss St. John’s Church and the loving parishnors who have become like family. I’m going to miss running around town, stadium workouts at the Vaught, the Whirlpool Trails, Sardis, teaching Pilates at PureRyde, seeing the regulars at BBB every morning and of course those Saturdays in the Grove before Game Day. I’m going to miss sitting on the balcony of Square Books enjoying a nice cup of jo while burying my nose in a good book with the sunshine kissing my face. Those late nights on the Square getting into questionable shenanigans and laughing about it all the day after. But what I’m going to miss most are the people I’ve met and connected with and just the spirit of Oxford. But the beauty of it all is that Oxford will always be here and is just a plane ride away.

I’m happy to announce that I will be moving to Miami Florida at the end of July. It’s time for a new adventure and to broaden my horizons a further. If anyone is ever in the Miami area please let me know and we can catch a margarita or beer on the beach! Godspeed!!!