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 columnist Bre’Anna Coleman recounts her conversation with Madison Spears, a freshman nursing major from Byhalia, Miss.
I grew up in Byhalia, Miss., a small town near Holly Springs. It was just me, my parents and my childhood hobbies that kept me occupied.
When I was eight years old, I remember watching a video of elite cheerleaders and falling in love with the sport. I eagerly told my mom of my youthful ambition and interest in cheer. Shortly after, she found the nearest gym to train and introduce me to the sport. Since then, it has been me and cheer.
By the time I was accepted to the University of Mississippi on a full ride, I decided that I would give competitive cheerleading a rest. It was time to try something new.
Initially, I thought the shift would be more dramatic. I thought my world would turn on its head. But, now, I can finally watch TV shows and do trivial stuff. In high school, cheerleading was my end-all be-all, 24/7.
My first year of college has mainly been filled with hard work and a focus on my studies. In the fall semester, I spent a lot of time working, and while it paid off (literally), it was lonely. Despite the occasional bout of melancholy, though, college has been a lot more relaxed than I thought it would be.
My classes have been hard, but not impossible, to my suprise. Enrolling in a microbiology course was one of the most daunting challenges I have had to overcome as a student. I thought a class about such a complex topic would be the death of me. I have come to find out that the course is actually pretty easy when you put your mind to it.
Even though I’ve managed to earn a GPA I am proud of, I yearn for more. Going to college is not about getting an education exclusively. That’s the main goal, don’t get me wrong, but I still can’t help but get this feeling that there is something missing in my college experience.
One of the hardest things has been finding my own community on campus. No one from my graduating high school class came to UM. Even though a few people I know from competitive cheer are here, we aren’t too close.
My idea of college going in was that the abundance of friends I would make there would balance out the stress of difficult classes. My actual experience, however, has been pretty tame in comparison. I go home every week, and I really expected that I would be having more fun in college.
Despite this, I am extremely grateful for the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy, a scholarship program which incentivizes student mentors to get involved with philanthropic activities. The Women’s Council has played a large role in my involvement on campus, from community service projects to building relationships with my peers. It has been the most prominent part of my UM journey so far.
I have also found contentment in working out. It is ironic because when I cheered, I didn’t have to go to the gym because cheering was my workout. I started working out twice a week last semester. I’ve upped that to four times a week, and I have made a commitment with myself to continue going to the gym. I’ve found it to be crucial for self-care as I navigate college life.
I still tend to go home frequently because of my close relationship with my family. With it being just the three of us, my mom, dad and I tend to kick back in the house and pretend I’m not a college student. The fun lasts until Sunday evening comes back around.
My proximity to home is why I desperately wish to stay in Oxford for the local nursing program. I can’t really see myself leaving and going far from home.
Nursing has become more than just a major to me. My passion is in nursing because I truly look forward to helping people. I’d describe myself as empathetic and compassionate — I love finding ways to help others. That attitude largely influences my campus involvement and community service.
Ultimately, I’m looking forward to furthering my education in nursing school. As for now, my sights are set on doing whatever is necessary to get that far while also cultivating meaningful, lasting relationships.
Bre’Anna Coleman is a junior political science major from Drew, Miss.
