“Calling, calling to our hearts’ fond memories” is a romantic phrase from the University of Mississippi’s alma mater about the campus’ fulfillment of happiness and love for its students. Rebel Market, one of our dining halls, is at the core of the university’s homely feel and cozy atmosphere.
Frequently, when prospective students first visit campus, they are provided with lunch at Rebel Market. This has a positive impact for multiple reasons. First, Rebel Market is a great representation of student life at Ole Miss, as potential students see current students meandering independently or mingling with friends.
Second, its food is unrivaled. Typically, dining halls are known for having mediocre food that simply provides students with an efficient, accessible meal. Rebel Market throws this narrative out the window and runs it over. There are a plethora of delicious options that can satisfy any craving. Its warm, delectable desserts speak for themselves.
The third reason why Rebel Market is important — my favorite reason — is that it is the quintessential image of Southern culture and, more specifically, Southern hospitality. The employee at the front counter never fails to offer a welcoming, hearty greeting, as if you are a family member on Christmas morning.
At Rebel Market, you can learn invaluable life lessons from “The Andy Griffith Show” playing on the televisions or watch the Sunday Night Football game on NBC with ten of your closest strangers. You can listen to traditional country or bluegrass artists like Merle Haggard or Glen Campbell, or tear up when you hear the iconic voice of Ray Charles singing “America the Beautiful.” Each Friday, I rush in after class to the fried catfish, fried okra and hushpuppies that rival any high-dollar restaurant — not just in quality, but in the care that went into preparation and serving.
Hayden Hammons, a freshman from Hernando, Miss., said his favorite part of Rebel Market is how friendly the workers are. He eats there at least three times a week and explained that it is ingrained in his routine. Hammons makes time in his schedule to eat there with his friends.
“Relying on eating there and being there with my friends relaxes me and helps me feel less stress,” Hammonds said.
He described Rebel Market as “one of a kind,” and he acknowledges its connection to “deep-rooted Southern culture.”
Moreover, like many others, he could not talk about Rebel Market without mentioning its “food that never disappoints.”
Rebel Market is the university’s living room and kitchen, nestled in the middle of campus around the bustle and anxiety of the academic buildings along business row. Students should enjoy Rebel Market and appreciate it for all it has to offer.
Rebel Market is an introduction to the intricacies of life at Ole Miss and a demonstration of the school’s commitment to welcoming and including a variety of students. There is indeed a spot that ever calls; Rebel Market awakens the tender glow and deep affection of being our lovely home.
Griffin Armstrong is a freshman political science major from Tuscaloosa, Ala.
