Music Student Ambassadors

Sofia is majoring in Music Education. She is a member if the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and the Luckyday Scholars Program. She plays in the Pride of the South Marching Band and is First Chair Bass Clarinet in the UM Wind Ensemble.

Why did you choose to attend UM?

Not only does the University of Mississippi offer great scholarship opportunities, the staff when visiting the campus made me feel very welcome. They answered every question I had and if they didn’t, they followed up with an email that did. I wanted to be involved in campus-life, and the programs and clubs here are endless! The campus just felt different than the others I have visited and I knew this was going to be my home away from home.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?

I have always had a passion for teaching and I loved music and how it could influence people for the better so I said “why not do both?”. But growing up, I was pressured by my peers and teachers to enter the medical field so that’s what I told adults that would ask young me. The summer before entering high school, I had a dream that I was a band director taking my band to contest. I took that as a sign that I should pursue my dreams instead of following what everyone else wanted for me.

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?

The advice I would give to anyone curious about pursing music as a career is to make sure they know what all it involves. Maybe have a call or coffee with an ambassador, recruiter, alumni, band director, or an advisor. To me, music education is a major that you need a passion and a drive for because although fun, it can be tedious at times. And at the end of the day, that drive gives you the reminder of why you are doing this (you chose your reason:)). Personally, my freshman year was the most I have ever learned about music and it was a little overwhelming at first. But with the combination of the staff helping me and an open mind I learned and learned like no one’s business.

Why is your department a special place?
The UM Music Department is a special place because everyone knows everyone, and you grow up alongside your peers. For the most part, you have the same professors throughout your college career which I like because they learn about you and how you learn. The people you enter with are the same people that you are going to be in every class with, so you get to make friends which is a necessity to survive college (in my opinion). Building wise, The Nest is the hangout spot of the department. Here you can find people doing homework, practicing conducting, or people goofing off. This is the student networking place. Do you need help with theory? The Nest. Do you need a charger? The Nest. The Department is also what you make of it. A positive mindset makes for a positive environment.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?

I have to say, the very first time performing the Grove show my freshman year was surreal. It was so loud, yet I could hear my racing heartbeat as we performed the hype coral. The fans cheering just brought me so much happiness.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for post-graduation?

As of right now I am considering my options for grad school to achieve my master’s degree. If I chose to end my formal education there, I will then teach at a public school in Mississippi.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?

When I get some free time, I usually spend it just sitting outside or watching movies depending on the weather. I met my best friends through Luckyday and we love to cook and watch TV as well. My hobbies include cooking, shopping, crafts, and binge watching Good Mythical Morning on YouTube.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?

There are a few pieces of advice I would give my past self. First, get your parking pass on time! It’s a minor detail, but it is such a common mistake to get stuck with a garage parking pass and stressing about walking to your car is no fun. Second, getting involved increases your chance to form life-long friendships and relationships. Some of the very first people I met on campus are the people I talk to everyday. Third, is that times are going to get rough, and nothing can really prepare you for it. The expectations and priorities you have as a university student really differ from either high school or a community college. But when you get lonely, remember there are other people that are feeling that way too!