Political Science Student Ambassadors

Samorria is majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in Law and Courts, and minoring in Legal Studies. She has interned for Congressman Michael Guest. She is also Vice President of Champions of Hope. On camps, Samorria is involved with the Black Student Union, NAACP, UM Society for Blacks in Political Studies, the Connect Mentoring Program, and she is a Luckyday Scholar.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend the University of Mississippi because of its reputation for creating strong leaders in government and politics, not only in the state of Mississippi but nationwide. In addition to that, the University offered so many great programs that would ultimately prepare me for leadership roles, such as the Luckyday Scholars Program. Lastly, the University felt like home. From the smiling faces of the students on campus to the wonderful faculty and staff, I knew Ole Miss was the right fit for me.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
In middle school, I took a Mississippi Studies class, and here, we went in depth about the state’s history, especially as it dealt with the Civil Rights Movement. It was here that I realized just how much of an impact that the law can have on others, especially when it came to unjust laws. So, it was around that time I realized I’d like to study law and politics in college so I could go on to pursue a career as a lawyer and maybe a politician. After some research, I found that majoring in political science would allow me to better understand politics and how analyzing political activity and behavior would be useful. Then, I chose to minor in law studies after looking at the associated courses and seeing that it would build a good foundation for the skills and information I’d see and use in law school.

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
For anybody who might be interested in majoring in Political Science, I would say that there are so many different things a person could use this degree for. Typically, when people say they’re majoring in Political Science, people assume that they want to be a lawyer. While this is true for many people, this is not the only career one can have with a degree in Political Science. For instance, many people with this major go on to find careers in business, teaching, lobbying, government, law enforcement, and even nonprofit organizations. It is important to emphasize this because this allows students to explore and find things that they’re truly passionate about, rather than feeling as if they must conform to one career path.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
One professor that has had a significant impact on me would have to Dr. Sue Ann Skipworth. Not only have I had her as a professor, but she’s also my academic advisor. So, I’ve had the opportunity to interact and get to know Dr. Skipworth quite well, and I can say that she is one of the most genuine and kind people I’ve ever met. Being that she was my professor and my advisor, I reached out to her a lot with questions on assignments and which classes to take. Each time, she always responded quickly and gave thorough answers to all my questions without ever making me feel as if I was bothering her or that she didn’t care. On top of that, she was always super encouraging and great at giving pep talks. More specifically, in her POL 399 class, which was a model legislature class, we had to come up with our own original piece of legislation to introduce. I didn’t know where to start, and Dr. Skipworth took the time to help me brainstorm, and if I needed feedback at any step of the way, she was always willing to help. This level of dedication and support is something I’ve seen her give to all her students, and I know we’ve all benefitted greatly from her efforts.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
My most memorable moment at the University of Mississippi would have to be becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Not only did I gain sisters, I gained a support system that helped to push me to be my best at all times and uphold the values of our beloved sorority. Furthermore, since becoming a member, I have been able to gain indispensable leadership skills and professional development, along with being able to interact with other likeminded African American college educated women and learn from them and their experiences. My sorority will be something that I hold near and dear to me for the rest of my life.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After graduation, I hope to attend the University of Mississippi School of Law to obtain my Juris Doctor and become a lawyer. While I have not chosen a specialty, I am interested in business and family Law. I hope to find a career in either of those two fields by either starting my own family law firm or by going to work for the Office of General Counsel for a government agency.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford?
Apart from school, I typically spend my time focusing on self-care. After long days of class and extracurriculars, I love to have time for myself to just unwind. I do this by going for walks, listening to music, reading, or drawing. I’ve learned to make crocheted stuffed animals, and I’m looking into starting an Etsy store to sell them. I’m also a huge fan of retail therapy, and it is likely you will spot me occasionally at the Oxford Galleria in either Marshalls, Home Goods, or Ulta Beauty buying clothes, room decorations, or makeup.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is that you do not have to do it all at once. I know that as an incoming freshman, you are going to be presented with so many different opportunities, and you’re going to want to participate in them. But how much is too much? For me, I remember taking 15 hours my first semester and then taking 18 hours my second semester, while also being in 6 registered student organizations and doing community service. As you can imagine, this resulted in major burn out. While I was able to maintain good grades and good involvement in the organizations, I just remember being worn out with rarely any down time to just decompress. So, for incoming freshmen, I’d advise you to find some balance. Yes, being involved on campus is important. Yes, taking all the necessary classes is important. Yes, being ambitious is okay. Just don’t overdo it. Balance is key and it is looks different for everybody. Don’t try and compare yourself to others and what they do. Don’t feel like you’re behind or not as prepared as your classmates or friends. Each person’s path is different. It is okay to take time for yourself, and this way, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward in every aspect of your college career.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
Initially, when I applied to colleges, the University of Mississippi was not on my radar. Following my senior year of highschool, I actually planned on attending a small college in upstate New York. I had a change of heart in mid-June, and by that time, a vast majority of universities had closed their applications for the fall semester. After researching the few schools that still had open applications, I felt that the University of Mississippi would be the best place for me. I planned to attend for the fall semester, then subsequently transfer back up North to an in-state school. However, my collegiate career shaped up differently when I fell in love with Oxford and UM. I am now a junior and have every intention of completing my undergraduate degrees here at the University of Mississippi.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
Initially, I entered UM as a Political Science major. I am fascinated by systems of government and American politics. After my freshman year, I decided to push myself and undertake an economics major as well. I had never thought of myself as a “math person”, so the decision to add an economics major was certainly a step outside of my comfort zone. In retrospect, I am so glad I did though because I truly feel fulfilled through striving to be the best version of myself. I hope these two majors give me a competitive advantage as I aspire to attend law school after completing my undergraduate degrees.

What would you tell a high school student about your major?
What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?In my opinion, the key to success at the collegiate level is intrinsic motivation. Motivation that cannot come from parents or college counselors, rather a deep fascination that comes from within. With Political Science, I would highly encourage a prospective student to genuinely enjoy government, history, and writing. For economics, I would encourage a prospective student to have a growth mindset when it comes to math and a willingness to think within an extremely logical context.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
My Political Research professor, Dr. Klingler had immense patience and understanding that his course content was mostly foreign to even us Political Science students. This demeanor allowed me to feel comfortable stopping his lecture to ask questions or drop by during office hours for further clarification. Further, his variety of assignments gave me a more holistic understanding of the material.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
Joining a fraternity here at the University of Mississippi has greatly shaped me as a leader. While there are many academic benefits to joining a fraternity, I would be remiss not to mention the social aspects. Forming bonds with alumni who stood in my position decades ago has given me a multitude of mentors to turn to in the inevitable times of uncertainty. From experiences like these, the saying about “one never truly graduating from Ole Miss” holds true in my eyes.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for post graduation?
This past summer, I worked for a law firm back in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. I was able to get involved in a number of projects and found my passion within litigation and municipal law. I hope to attend law school, then work as an attorney. My pipe-dream is to give back to the communities that have shaped me and one day work as a politician.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
Weekend rounds at the Ole Miss Golf Course are a great way to decompress from the stress factors of class and extracurriculars. The student membership is at a pretty reasonable price point and the course is pristine. I also enjoy hiking on the trails on the South end of campus. You’ll often see peers and professors enjoying the gorgeous scenery.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)
Actually try. When I say that, I really mean step out of your comfort zone. Ole Miss has a ton to offer aside from purely academics and please take advantage of these opportunities. Join a club sport, join a Greek organization, go to some of the fun events on the Union Plaza. People here are kind, do not hesitate to introduce yourself. For the most part, professors do a great job of giving a fair work load. Do not hide in your dorm room during your free time and instead go see what Ole Miss and The Number One College Town in America have to offer.

Grace is majoring in Political Science and double minoring in Law Studies and History. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She is a Peer Reviewer for Venture, UM’s undergraduate research journal. Grace volunteers with the Leapfrog Mentoring Program. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
The most practical reason I chose to attend UM was the scholarship opportunities that will allow me to graduate debt free. On top of this, UM is home to the prestigious Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, which gives me access to intimate class sizes and a curated selection of the best professors the University has to offer. On top of these benefits, the tour I received during Junior preview day was exceptional in the sense that it was extremely well organized compared to other tours I had been on and happened during the spring when the campus is quite literally blooming with life. This experience gave me confidence that during my time at Ole Miss I would feel well taken care of, just as the campus is taken care of and as the tour took care of me.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I chose political science as my major early on. I have always been passionate about politics, and I knew from my senior year of high school that politics was what I wanted to study in college.

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
Coming into my freshman year, I was torn between economics and political science as my major. I decided on economics because I assumed it would have better job placement in case I did not end up going to law school. However, I got my first and only B in my one and only economics class sophomore year and decided that I should set myself up for success with my true goal of going to law school. I knew that my strengths were in areas like reading and history, but I attempted to be safe and go with a math-dominant field incase I failed at going to law school. Law schools heavily consider GPA, so rather than tank my GPA for a major I only picked over political science because of the potential for failure in my goal of attending law school, I changed my major to the field that I had the most passion for and knew I would be the most successful in. I do not regret my decision in the slightest. I only wish that I had followed my heart instead of my mind to begin with. Dropping economics allowed me to pick up a different minor that I had wanted to have from the start: history. History and politics are heavily intertwined, and I have been able to use what I learn in one field in the other, and this has been nothing but a blessing. In some ways changing my major made me feel like a quitter, but in reality, I just needed to find the right fit, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
I first met Dr. King in an Honors College class studying the diversity of the Mississippi legislative staff, where we were able to take a trip to Jackson to conduct interviews. I have since taken two more of his classes and have been lucky enough to have him as my thesis advisor. I was immediately enticed by his calm, kind, relatable, and approachable demeanor. His classes are fun and incorporate class engagement whenever possible. He is also great at going with the flow when students ask questions and will often google statistics in the middle of class to help answer questions. The fluid nature of his class and the fact that he will go above and beyond to give students well-informed answers makes me feel like he truly values our opinions and provides us with the best education possible.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable at UM?
While this is not a moment, it was the catalyst for many great memories. Living in Pittman freshman year allowed me to meet so many kind and intelligent friends. Being surrounded by so many people all the time forced me out of my comfort zone for the better because it gave me access to so many people I would never have reached out to otherwise.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for post graduation?
My plan for post-graduation is to attend law school and hopefully receive scholarships to do so. I am currently in the process of studying for the LSAT and working on my applications. Becoming a lawyer has been a lifelong dream as I have been enamored by the intelligence of lawyers and the important work that they do. Any time there are rules in place in any aspect of life, I want to know them, follow them, and understand their reasoning and implications. The laws of our nation and states are no different. In fact, these are the most critical to know, and I cannot imagine not being an expert in them as everyone must abide by them. I also believe that lawyers are the front line of defense for ordinary citizens who deserve protection from those who wish to deprive them of their rights and liberties. In my eyes, there exists no more noble job than that of a lawyer.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
Attending football games is by far the most fun I’ve had in Oxford. Next to this, I love to try new restaurants and thrift whenever I can. However, most of my free time outside of school and homework goes towards my two part time jobs.

What are some dream travel destinations?
My mother is from Halifax, Nova Scotia, so I have exclusively visited this part of Canada nearly every summer of my life. Because of this, I would love to visit the rest of the Canadian provinces, as I know they are just as beautiful and have just as much to offer. I would also love to visit Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany when I am financially stable enough to do so.

Ella is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Policy Leadership. She is a member of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, and Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society. She has interned with the Newberg Group working on political campaign fundraising, and the Illinois House of Representatives.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend Ole Miss because I fell in love with the beautiful town and campus. Coming from Illinois, I knew I wanted to go out of state and somewhere new, that many people from my high school weren’t attending. The bright, welcoming atmosphere and the numerous internship opportunities that were provided to me helped me make my final decision.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
I chose Political Science as my major towards the end of my junior year when I realized I wanted to go to law school later in life. I also chose it because I wanted to learn more about our country’s government processes and the policies surrounding our lawmakers. It has helped me create a better understanding about the type of government I want to be involved with in the future. I chose Public Policy in addition as my minor, in order to learn how to propose policies and problem solve solutions for our country’s largest issues.

What are your career goals?
After graduation I will be receiving my master’s degree in public policy/Public Administration while interning with the Illinois House of Representatives as a legislative analyst. After my master’s, I plan to attend law school. I hope to one day hold public office and work in the political field.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
I recently took a class, American Legislative Process, with Professor Klingler. Half of the class is an American Senate simulation and it was the most fun I have ever had in a class during my time here. You learn so much about how laws must be drafted and the processes Senators take daily. I think it had a major impact on me because it made me realize how much I wanted to be a Senator or Congresswomen in the years to come.

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
I would say that you need to keep an open mind about everything. It is extremely easy to allow for politics to take over your views of certain courses or topics, but these debates and conversations can be extremely productive! Being a Political Science major shows you’re passionate about making others’ lives better and learning about your country’s political processes. In order to get the most out of our major, you must be willing to collaborate and understand everyone’s opinions regardless of your own. The most important thing to know as well is that everything you learn about politics in school changes completely once you have worked in the political world. You must be able to work spontaneously and with the unpredictability of politics, if you choose to go that direction.

What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies, interests)?
I love to walk on the trails around the Recreation Center and to shop on the Square with my friends! I will almost always be listening to my favorite podcasts or audiobooks anytime you see me!

What is your favorite place to eat in Oxford?
My favorite meal in Oxford is the Hotty Toddy Balls from Volta Taverna. I have never had a bad meal here!

Edward is pursuing a major in Political Science with an emphasis in Law and Courts. He is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Outside of class, he is the Nutrition Chair of Grove Grocery and the Vice President of the First-Generation Student Network.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend UM because it was not too far but also not too close to home. I knew that this would allow me to understand how to be a successful young adult if I am not so close to my hometown. Also, I chose UM because of the Southern hospitality and beauty of the campus; I truly believe that these two things are some of the leading forces in helping students become successful people in the future.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I chose my major in my senior year of high school. However, I was always infatuated with politics ever since I was young. I chose this major because it is common for future law school students to pick this major, and I always thought that I needed improvement with my critical thinking skills, and I know that this major will help me.

Why is your department a special place?
The political science department is a special place because it continues to motivate students to learn more about the underlying layers of society. Also, this department give students many opportunities to reveal their thoughts and receive excellent feedback and encouragement that will help their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
The spring concert is my favorite moment during my freshman year. The artist who came is my top favorite singer in the whole industry, so it was so amazing to see him in person and to share that moment with my friends.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
After graduating, I wish to attend law school. My ultimate career goal is to work as an attorney for the government; I have not thought about what position I would like to hold, but the solicitor general position has been catching my attention recently.

What are some dream travel destinations?
Lake Como and Amalfi Coast, Italy, New York City, and Washington, D.C. All of these places have been my dream travel destinations for a very long time.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I wish I would researched all the organizations and opportunities on campus during the summer before I came here. Also, I would tell myself to talk to everyone; I am not generally a shy person, but there were moments when I would hide away instead of greeting someone.

Ben is a double major in Political Science and Public Policy Leadership with a minor in Journalism. He is a Provost Scholar and a SAE Fraternity member. On campus, he is involved in Ole Miss Mock Trial, Rebel Radio, UMPROV, and Phi Delta Phi.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
It seemed to have a good program to support my aspirations, it was in the state I lived in, I grew up a fan, I love the campus, people, and tradition.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I switched my minor my junior year to something that I thought would supplement my major well.

Why is your department a special place?
The professors. I have yet to have a class with a professor I didn’t like in my major. They all encourage discussion and ideas , they are all passionate about their subjects.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I plan to move to Washington DC to work in campaigns/advise.

What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
Country fried steak from Ajax.

What are you binge watching or reading right now?
Black Mirror on Netflix.