Student Perspective

Although I didn’t actually become an “official” Bulldog until 2016 when I enrolled as a freshman, I have always been a Bulldog at heart. My hometown of Louisville isn’t far from Starkville, so I was fortunate enough to grow up near the place that I always knew would become my alma mater. My decision to come to Mississippi State University was made even more clear when I learned that I had earned an incredible scholarship opportunity through the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program (METP). As an METP Scholar, I have been able make numerous connections with other future educators and build close relationships with my fellow METP cohort members. The field of education is so highly dependent on relationships, and I am thankful for both my METP faculty and fellow students who have helped push me to be the absolute best version of myself! Another exciting part of being an METP Scholar is the chance to study abroad. Last summer I visited London, Cambridge, and Oxford, and it was an incredible experience! I was able to explore the education systems in England and learned some new strategies I plan to apply in my own classroom when I begin teaching next fall. I am so grateful to the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation for making this scholarship possible and truly helping me have the best student experience at MSU. With graduation approaching, I can’t believe my time at MSU is almost over. I have stayed very active on campus, serving as an orientation leader, New Maroon Camp counselor, ACCESS Program mentor, and tutor—all of which have helped shape my perspective of what it means to be a good teacher. I can’t wait to pour encouragement into the lives of my students just as so many have done for me. And although I won’t be on campus every day, I will always be a proud Bulldog at heart!