Meet a Freshman Studies Student

We sat down for a Q&A with Ole Miss Freshman Studies student, Mahalie Stults, to find out more about her experience as a UM student.

Why did you choose Ole Miss?

I grew up going to football games here at Ole Miss, and from the moment I stepped foot onto campus, I fell in love. From that day on, I knew the University of Mississippi was where I wanted to attend college.

Describe your journey to selecting a major.

Coming into college, I knew I wanted to go into the healthcare field, dentistry. However, dental schools do not require a specific major, so I was lost as to what I wanted to major in. Many people told me I needed to major in biochemistry to be a strong competitor for dental schools, but I knew that was not the major for me. I spent my first 3 semesters of college exploring different majors, in hope of finding one that I loved. During each advising appointment, I had many ideas on what I wanted to do. I even put it into my head that I was not fit to go into dentistry because I did not fall into the “typical” pre-dental student’s path. Therefore, I thought I wanted to do nursing, engineering, social work, teaching, and many more, but I knew deep down that I would not be happy if I did not follow my dream of being a dentist. When I found out about the Business School and their programs, I knew that General Business was the major for me. I have never regretted my decision to major in business, and I am loving every minute of it.

How did you decide on a major?

During one of my advising meetings, my advisor and I were making my schedule for the following semester. He knew that I was still unsure about my major, so he recommended that I take a career decision making class, EDLD 201. While taking the class, each school would come and speak to our class. When the school of business came, I told myself that I was not going to listen because there was no way I was going to major in business, but being the good student I am, I sat there and listened. As they continued to talk, I became more and more interested and loved what I was hearing. They spoke on how many pre-dental students major in business and minor in chemistry. From that moment on, I knew business was what I wanted to do. Plus, it allowed me to minor in chemistry and biology, and I am having the best time!

Any advice for next year’s incoming Freshman Studies students?

Do not rush into a major. Take your time finding what you love because it will be a long four years if you do not enjoy what you are doing. Do not let others tell you what is best for you, it is your life that you are deciding on. Take the time to go to sporting events or whatever you love to do because it is not good for your mental health to stay locked up studying all the time, trust me, I tried that. Make new friends. Go and visit your professors and show them that you care. Do not take anything for granted. I know this is cheesy to say, but college flies by without even noticing. Just have fun, stay safe, study hard, and love every minute of having the privilege to spending every day at the most beautiful place on the planet!