My First Ole Miss

University of Mississippi seniors describe their first impressions of the place they have called home during their collegiate years.

Pearce Crosland: Madison, MS

“My first Ole Miss is opportunity because I wanted to become as involved as possible broaden my horizons and value this experience. Throughout my college career Ole Miss has provided me with more opportunity than I could have imagined. Allowing me to get involved with campus organizations such as the associated student body, Ole Miss ambassadors, college republicans, as well as the greater Oxford community. When I reflect on my time here, I will always be indebted to the University of Mississippi for who and where I am today.”

Devin Dalton: Fort Worth, TX

“My first Ole Miss is family because both of my parents went to school here. My dad played football here so we have had season tickets in the same spot for over 20 years. No matter where me and my parents were in our lives the one constant was getting our football tickets in the mail in August and blocking out at least three weekends we would travel to Oxford for. I have been in love with Ole Miss for 21 years and it is surreal that after a whole lifetime of tailgating in the same spot my journey here is about to come to an end. However, I know every time I come back here just as my parents have done since they graduated my spot in the grove will still be there and Ole Miss will always welcome me home, that’s why Ole Miss means family.”

Imani Flowers: Cleveland, OH

“My first Ole Miss is faith because first my name means faith in African, Swahili. Also, faith has been present in my whole college experience. When I feel like giving up or when I feel like looking very low, and have low self-esteem in doing what I need to do best to make my family proud. I look at faith. Faith is what has gotten me here to be the first person to graduate in my whole entire family. Faith is also a way of life and living. So, I am very thankful to have such great friends and family but faith is the one that has never left me and I will never loose sight of my vision and purpose of being here at Ole Miss.”

Waverly McCarthy: Jackson, MS

“My first Ole Miss is peace. When I was deciding between schools it was between Ole miss and another school and every time that I came Oxford I just felt this overwhelming sense of Peace and this is where I belonged and that is what ultimately made the decision for me.”