What was your most embarrassing moment?    

My university has a shuttle system, and every shuttle stops at one central hub. One day I was in a hurry, and I missed a step getting off the shuttle, which caused me to fall flat on my face in front of the lunch time rush. I was mortified!

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?    

I am addicted to Smartfood white cheddar popcorn. I know that it isn’t healthy and that it’s bad for your teeth, but I still sneak some when I can.

What is your favorite movie and why?    

I love Remember the Titans. I’m a big sports fan, so I love the football aspect, but I also love the message the movie offers. It shows how people can overcome their differences and achieve greatness together. The soundtrack is great too!

What is your favorite color and why?    

Blue is definitely my favorite color. There are many hues of blue, and I have lots in my wardrobe. Royal blue has depth, turquoise has energy, and sky blue is soothing.

What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?     For me, fun is relaxation! I love to relax at home with my friends and roommates and just spend time talking. Music is also a large part of my life, and I enjoy playing the piano and singing. Of course, there are never too many sporting events to watch or attend!

What would be your dream vacation or destination?   

I love to snow ski, but I have only skied in the United States. I would really enjoy skiing in Europe.

What do you like best about your hometown?    

I love the sense of community in Madison. The city is growing by leaps and bounds, but there is still a small town feeling. The schools are award winning and family is a priority. Everyone is so friendly, and it is a great place to live!

What do you like best about the state of Mississippi?    

I have family all over the state of Mississippi, and one of the things I’ve learned to appreciate while driving to visit them is the beauty of Mississippi. Whether it’s the gulf coast, the delta, or the hills, everything about the Mississippi landscape is beautiful.

What’s in your CD player or on your iPod right now?    

I have a variety of music on my iPod. Every type of music including Broadway, country, rock, and oldies can be found. I like it all!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?   

In ten years I hope to have a family and plan to be teaching high school English here in Mississippi. My hope is to be in a community where there is a sense of family and education is a priority.

Who am I?    

I am a young woman who is growing and changing every day. My family and friends are a huge part of my journey through life. I’m very close to my mom, dad, and brother; and they are always there to encourage me to achieve my dreams. I have had the privilege to meet and become friends with some wonderful girls in college. They are my constant support group, and I appreciate and love both my family and friends.

The biggest part of my life is music. I love everything about it! I’ve been singing for ten years and playing the piano for fifteen. If you pass me in my car, odds are that I’m singing along with the radio. Music has shown me how important it is to have goals, and that working to develop ones talent is a must.

Most importantly, I know that I am not perfect, but I strive to be the best that I can on a daily basis. My journey through life has been blessed with some outstanding role models, and I try to live up to their expectations every day. At the end of the journey, I want to be able to say I have lived my life in a way I can be proud of, that I was a person of character, and one that made a positive impact on others. I hope that others would say I encouraged them in some small way, touched their life, and made a difference in the world.

Tell us about your occupation?        

I have been working since the age of 15, however, January 2008 was the beginning of the most challenging job that I may ever have. I served as an orientation leader for my university, and the experience taught me a great deal. College is a pivotal time in a person's life and our responsibility to both students and the university was enormous. In some cases, a final decision about a college choice had not been made; therefore I served as a recruiter, educator and ambassador for the university. We held the task of convincing the most accomplished students to attend Mississippi State University. During the summer orientation weekends, I worked with 16 other students to ensure that the incoming freshman students, transfer students and their parents had a favorable visit to Mississippi State, and that all of their questions were answered. Preparations for these activities often began at 4 a.m., and the nights ended after midnight. Even though the position was difficult and tiring, the experience was valuable in numerous ways. Not only was it fun, I was reminded of the value of hard work, the satisfaction of a job well done, the results of teamwork, and the impact we have on others.

Platform

My platform is to promote mentoring of our youth. I have been fortunate enough to have a strong support network and have role models in my life to encourage me. However, I had a relative who grew up in a home with little or no supervision. He was left to his own devices even as a very young child and therefore was exposed to many inappropriate situations growing up. He struggled as a young man and was not able to appreciate his God given talents of athletic ability, intelligence, good looks, and natural charm. As a result of the lack of a role model in his life, he struggled throughout his adult life with alcoholism, instability, joblessness, and the lack of foundation. He died from health issues related to his self destructiveness and at the time was estranged from most of his family. I often wonder what his life could have been if there was a role model in his life to make a difference or take an interest.

Many of our Mississippi children and youth need a support network or mentor to encourage them. Unfortunately, our school dropout rates, teen pregnancy, and even crime statistics are soaring to alarming percentages. My plan is to continue my personal mentoring efforts to encourage youth struggling to find themselves, but primarily to encourage others to take up this cause as well. Partnering with established and new organizations, I want to make a difference on a larger scale by encouraging youth to find their talents, potential, and to stay in school. Many Mississippians can contribute positively in some way, and we need to band together to focus on this issue in the coming years.