Defying the stereotype

When I first decided I was going to attend the University of Mississippi, I did not know where this journey would take me. In high school Ole Miss was seen as some srat star, Lilly Pulitzer campus. I knew I wasn't like that, I didn't own any Lilly dresses, Tory Burch sandals or David Yurman rings, but I knew I was meant to go to Ole Miss.

Let me go ahead and say, before you stop reading now, Ole Miss is not all about the latest Lilly clothing line, Tory Burch sandals or anything you read on Pinterest as "sorority girl." 

What I've learned here at Ole Miss is to be yourself. Everyone on campus wears the same thing to class every day essentially, yet when you look closer everyone remains who they truly are. Whether you're noticing the crazy socks underneath someones converse, a ring that perfectly describes their personality, or maybe they're defying the oversized t shirt & Nike shorts memo all together.

The girls looking to come to Ole Miss that are in high school get a false representation and view of what this incredible place is like. We don't all wear cowboy boots with a designer dress and pearls. We don't all listen to country music and drink the days away. We don't wear monogrammed floppy hats and carry a Louis Vuitton.

In general, I have remained true to myself in college. I am still, somewhat, the same person I was in high school. What has changed though is my heart. This school that gets such a "party" reputation has made me a sweeter, more caring and kind hearted person that the person I was in high school.

I give people more chances, I do not judge so quickly, I thank the Lord every day for these people in my life and I owe all of this to the opportunities Ole Miss has given me.

My advice to incoming freshman is to take a step back. Don't judge a school by its stereotype. Ole Miss is so much more than a party school with a beautiful campus. It is a home to many for 4 years, some more because they don't want to leave, and this home has impacted every single life.

With five semesters behind me and only three full semesters ahead, I have realized so much about this place I call home. Even though I am only here for 4 years, these years have been crucial to me and who I am as a person.

Yes, most of my friends love to shop. Some of my friends wear Lilly. Tory Burch sandals are actually comfortable. David Yurman rings are beautiful. My point though, is that to fit in here and call this place your home, you do not have to own these material things. 

Come as you are, you are meant to be here. 

I want to thank Ole Miss for softening my heart, for encouraging and increasing my relationship with the Lord, for giving me the best friends that lift me up daily, and for changing me.

To the school that yells "Hotty Toddy" at any given moment, I owe a lot to you.