What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include singing, dancing, shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

What makes you special and unique?
Something that makes me special and unique is my naturally curly hair. I hated my hair in my early teen years and tried everything imaginable to make it look like everyone else’s. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with it, but today, instead of fighting it with products and straighteners, I let it curl. It never fails that when I am out, someone stops me and asks, "Who does your perm?"

What is the best advice you have ever received?
One of the greatest pieces of advice I have ever been given comes from St. Francis of Assisi who said, "Go out and preach the Gospel, and use words if you have to." I try to live everyday by this message, because in the end, actions really do speak louder than words.

Name one thing you cannot live without.
Something I cannot live without is my private time. Although I love all the new friends I have made at school, the constant social opportunities have made it difficult to find time for myself. I treasure the time that I can be alone in my car on the short trip home for the weekend, singing my favorite songs, counting my blessings, and dreaming about the future.

What is the most valuable lesson you ever learned?
The most valuable lesson I have ever learned is that my mother is always right. Although this is sometimes difficult to admit, she continues to amaze me with her guidance and wisdom. Thanks, Mom!

Who is your most valued role model and why?
My parents continue to be my most valued role models. They have given my siblings and me a perfect example of love and respect. They challange me to do my best in all things and love me more when I fall short of my goals.

What was your most unexpected moment?
My most unexpected moment came last fall when my sorority nominated me to run for USM’s Freshman Homecoming Maid. I was honored to be nominated, and thrilled to be elected by the freshman class. It was certainly a memorable start to my career at Southern Miss!

What is your workout routine?
This year I have tried to take advantage of all the workout opportunities available to me at the Payne Center on campus at USM. My friends and I have tried everything from kickboxing to pilates classes. I try to keep my workouts interesting and fun, but balance this with a weight training regimen to build muscle and daily crunches to keep my core toned.

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
One of my biggest accomplishments was being crowned Miss Southern Magnolia 2007 as a high school senior and having the opportunity to participate in the 50th Anniversary of Miss Mississippi in Vicksburg. It was a fabulous experience. The growth associated with this journey was one you cannot put a price on. It was truly the best "Senior Trip" a girl could ask for!

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
During my senior year in high school, my English teacher shared with me an essay that had been written by one of her 11th grade students. The essay assignment required the students to write about someone they considered to be a role model. I was so humbled that this particular student had written about me. It reminded me that others are watching our actions and you never know just how you will impact another. It was one of the nicest compliments I have ever received.

What is your secret wish?
My secret wish is to go to New York and pursue a career on Broadway. I would love nothing more than to perform on stage in front of thousands of people every night. Even a chorus role would do!

What was your most embarrassing moment?
As a college freshman, I have found that embarrassing moments are far too numerous to count and too painful to remember. Enough said!

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
My biggest guilty pleasure is reality television. Project Runway, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, and The Biggest Loser are just a few of my favorites.

What is your favorite movie and why?
One of my all time favorite movies is The Wizard of Oz. I have loved this movie since childhood. The lessons conveyed throughout the story are timeless and don't forget those fabulous ruby slippers! I would love to find myself playing the part of Dorothy on a stage somewhere in the future.

What is your favorite color and why?
My favorite color is definitely pink. When my mom was expecting me, she was sure that I was a boy. When a little girl arrived instead, she went crazy with pink. I was always dressed in pink from head to toe and have kept the trend going through the years. My love for pink is not limited to my wardrobe, but is also evident in my dorm room decor!

What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?
I love to spend time with my best friends. We usually go to Starbucks, go shopping, curl up on the couch for a great movie, or just talk for hours. It is so nice to spend time with people that really understand you and make you laugh until you cry, literally!

What would be your dream vacation or destination?
There are so many places that I want to visit, but New York City is at the top of my list. I want to see the Broadway shows, visit the landmarks, and most importantly, shop!

What do you like best about your hometown?
My hometown, Laurel, is a special place. Although it is rich in history and beautiful landmarks, its simplicity is what I have come to appreciate the most. It is large enough to host some of the top industries in the country, but small enough to really feel like you know the person passing you on the street.

What do you like best about the state of Mississippi, besides our food & hospitality?
I think one of the things I love best about our great state is the impressive list of talented writers and performers that call Mississippi home. It is a testament to the rich culture and creative energy that permeates our state. Another thing I appreciate is the diverse beauty of our land. From the Gulf Coast, to the Pine Belt, and through the Delta, not many states can claim such a wide range of sights and sounds.

What's in your CD player or on your iPod right now?
My iPod is loaded with a wide variety of artists. You will find everything from Elvis, Carrie Underwood, Journey, Rascal Flatts, Michael Buble', and the soundtrack from "Wicked".

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
My long range goals are really pretty simple. In ten years, I hope to have completed my education and be pursuing a career that I am passionate about. I also hope to be settling down with the man of my dreams and starting a family of my own.

Who am I?
I am someone who is having a blast on a very blessed journey! My life is filled with passion and appreciation. I am passionate about music, family, friends and service. I am appreciative of all the gifts that I have been given. One of the best gifts is my wonderfully supportive family who encourages me to follow my dreams.

I love to surround myself with positive things and feel fortunate to be living out my dreams at the University of Southern Mississippi. My freshman year has been a wonderful mixture of growth and relationships. I love spending time with my Kappa Delta sisters and cheering on the Golden Eagles. In typical freshman fashion, I have already changed my major and currently find myself in the world of speech communication.

I consider myself an "old soul" who appreciates everything from "I Love Lucy" reruns to Elvis Presley. I guess it is little wonder that my two favorite pastimes are laughing with friends and performing on stage. As I continue on my path, I hope to find a way to help others enjoy their journey as much as I am enjoying mine.

Tell us about your occupational experience.
I have had several jobs in my young life. The first was at a tanning salon. It wasn't too demanding and I enjoyed the interactions with the customers. However, I wasn't getting enough hours, so I decided to move on to McAlister's Deli. The work there was a little more intense. I still had a great time meeting and greeting customers and the food was a definite perk! My mom was especially pleased when I learned how to mop a floor and clean a bathroom!

My last job was at a local music store. It also required working with the public as a salesperson and clerk. I believe that all of these positions have helped me to become the person I am today because they taught me responsiblity and how to work with the public. I can honestly say that these skills have really come in handy this first year of college!

Tell us about your platform.
My platform issue, Character Education, is one that I am extremely passionate about. The purpose of character education is to help students develop virtues such as patience, tolerance, self-control, and cooperation which will help them to grow into responsible and mature adults. It seems that in today’s world, our young people are constantly under attack by the negative images and messages surrounding them. Through character education, we can help them to reflect on the impact of their decisions and introduce them to positive role models. Just as we instruct our youth in the areas of math and science, I believe it is equally important to build a generation that understands the importance of character, hard work, respect, and other core values.

I have been so fortunate to have parents who instilled in me positive morals and values. In my community, programs such as Teens Getting Involved for the Future (TGIF) and Character First are wonderful initiatives that focus on helping students make healthy decisions so that they may live better and happier lives. I am so proud to have worked with these programs and the youth of Jones County and hope that I have made a difference in some small way. I know that I have seen firsthand the impact that these programs can make in the lives of our youth. It is my wish that all students have the opportunity to hear these positive messages.