MISS Award

I have faced many trials and tribulations that have helped shape me into the driven woman I am today. I grew up in a non-traditional household with my mother, a single mother, sister, grandparents, and cousins that my grandparents had custody of. I had great plans to attend a performing arts college right out of high school. My family decided that since I had graduated and was newly 17, this wouldn't be the most sensible idea. I decided to go to community college and discover what my other passions were. After community college, I went to The University of Southern Mississippi after a gap year and pursued a degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a minor in Dance. Towards the end of the first semester, right before finals week, I tore my Achilles and had to have reparative surgery. My grandmother and grandfather heavily motivated me to return to school and finish what I had started. My dance dreams ended at USM, but I became more passionate about my career choice. I taught dance at 4 different studios and was part of a pre-professional dance company based out of Texas that traveled with competitions and conventions. I still got to pursue my other passion and paid for my apartment, food, and schooling that my scholarships did not cover. It was hard, but I was too motivated to give up. I finished at USM at the top of my class and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences. What very few people know is that my last semester there was earth-shattering and life-altering. The summer of my last semester was a whirlwind. I worked hard to compartmentalize my emotions, but I went through something extremely traumatic. I was attacked and sexually assaulted while walking to my apartment. This made me extremely anxiety-riddled and depressed. I channeled my feelings into my schooling and was determined to finish strong. But, after graduation, the whirlwind wasn't over. I was constantly sick and couldn't keep anything down. I was lethargic with very little energy. In February of 2019, I discovered that I was pregnant by my sexual assaulter. I knew then that I would have to confide in my family about what happened. They showed me that they were here for me no matter what and that I had a village behind me. My daughter turned the darkest times into light. She inspires me every day to be great. She saved me from my self-destruction. My career path is a bit different now. After being at USM, I knew that I wanted to become a dyslexia therapist. I am in my advanced year of the Dyslexia Therapy Program at Mississippi College. I didn't know if I would return after losing my grandfather in December. He and I had discussed my future and the visions that I wanted to bring to fruition. My grandad was one of the most influential people in my life and taught me how important having an education is in America. I will graduate in May 2025 thanks to him and his strength. One-half of my dream is to have my dance studio. The other half of my dream is to own a therapy center. At this center, I would have dance and music therapy, dyslexia therapy, speech and language therapy, massage and cryotherapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. This center could be so beneficial to all ages. I've always known I wanted to help people, and I am pleased to have found both of my passions in life.