EDITOR’S NOTE: Diary of a Black Girl is a monthly column focusing on the experiences of Black women at the University of Mississippi. In this installment, Opinion writer Bre’Anna Coleman interviews freshman English education major Madison Devaul.
Even though I’m studying at the University of Mississippi to be an educator, my college search began with my passion for theater.
I come from a family of Mississippi State alumni in Rankin County. Despite their allegiance to the “rival” school, I knew studying at the University of Mississippi would give me the opportunity to change my major to theater or even minor in art.
Though I possess a desire to express myself through theater, I have yet to participate in the theater program or organizations at the university. Between classes, friends and campus life, I have found myself preoccupied.
With my lack of involvement in theater, teaching has filled the subsequent gap. In fact, if I had to choose what my career would be, I would work in the Jackson Public School District or in rural areas of Mississippi that could greatly benefit from having more dedicated instructors.
Funny enough, theater led me to my love of teaching. I found my passion for teaching through my theater teachers who were advocates and friends of mine. They were open to students expressing their feelings, diversity, inclusion and being a resource to the students they taught.
To this day, I carry memories of one of my old teachers – Ms. Ray. She was a white woman who sparked my interest in Black playwrights. She found joy in getting to know her students better, and she often highlighted diversity in theater for Black and LGBTQ students in her class. She encouraged me to search for Black playwrights and utilize them in classes. Through her, I learned about my interest in Black history and social studies.
Ultimately, I switched to English because I decided that I can use English to educate students on reading while also weaving history into their lessons.
While it was never a plan to attend UM, I am glad it is where I chose to be. I want to use this opportunity and take everything that I was taught and give it back to someone else.
Many people do not realize that minority students are making history by simply existing at this university, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Bre’Anna Coleman is a junior political science major from Drew, Miss.
