For 20 years of my life I lived in Hernando, MS. For my first two years of college, I went to Northwest Community College. I got to spend a little more time with my family and work to save some money. The two years I spent at Northwest was a bit of a blessing. I go to to save thousands of dollars on school, make a few more memories with my family and save up some money for Mississippi State University by working.
While working, I had the privilege to meet my two very best friends, Courtney and Taylor. These girls made work life so much better and mean the world to me. Once the time to move began to come closer. I was moving to Starkville, Taylor moved to Jackson and Courtney had an amazing opportunity to move to Hawaii. All three of us went our separate ways but we are able to stay in touch.
Even though when a child goes to move out from under their parents' roof, they are happy, that's exactly what I was waiting for. But being able to stay in my parents for a little while longer, with dads cooking. Being able to come home and talk to my mom and sister about our day. Having my sister with me at the house to keep me company. With the days leading up to me moving, I knew that this would be ending soon. But having the times with my family made everything feel more special.
When the day finally came to move, my family and boyfriend all helped me move. My boyfriend is also going to Mississippi State as well, so I still have that little piece of home with me. But having to wake up early just to leave the life I've had for 20 years wasn't cutting it. After almost three hours of driving, I finally made it to my new home. I knew my roommates before we moved but living together was going to be a new journey. Trying to get this house to feel like a home took a little while, it's still slowly but surely getting there, I knew that this was going to be a good time in my life.
Getting involved on campus was going to be the next step to making this place my new home. Lucky for me I decided to rush. While going through recruitment I found my home in Zeta Tau Alpha. The girls in this chapter and girls I have met throughout the week have made moving here so much better. The Greek community is so diverse but always comes together. With all of the different philanthropies and everything that is being done around campus helps everyone get involved. Being apart of the Odyssey and its community has been amazing. Being able to write freely and being so supported by everyone in the Odyssey community is why I am proud to be in Starkville.
Starkville has always been welcoming and made me feel at home. The university and the people there are genuine and happy. These things make me proud to be a bulldog! Hail State!