FIG TESTIMONIALS 2012-2013

Check out what these students have to say about our freshman interest groups!

“Joining a freshman interest group was one of the best choices I could have made prior to starting my college career. I wanted to join a FIG so I could meet people who share the same interests as I do, and I immediately fell in love with my entire hall! We are such a diverse group, yet we all get along so well. Another advantage of being in a FIG is the abundance of activities that are constantly occurring. Whenever I am walking down the hall to my room, there is always a new flier or poster advertising the next movie night or pancake breakfast. Being a part of a FIG has exposed me to all different kinds of people and has allowed me to get plugged into not only my FIG community but also the university community.” -Maren Garvey (Madison, Mississippi)

"The FIG has been a great addition to my college experience. Before I came to college, I promised myself I would try my hardest to be as involved as I could. Through joining the FIG, it became so much easier to get involved in the school I love. The main difference is that instead of going out and searching for opportunities, the opportunities come to you. Joining the FIG was one of the greatest decisions of my life, and it will definitely leave a lasting impact on my life." -Chase Markham (Duluth, Georgia)

“The FIG program has been amazing, and I have had so much fun while being a part of it. If it were not for this program, I believe my freshman experience would not have been as good. Foundations FIG has helped me really become the person that I am today. It was a life-changing experience and made transitioning from high school to college really easy. Through this program, I have made lifelong friends and memories that really will last a life time. The camping trip was one my absolute favorite activities we did together. We were able to get away from campus for a weekend and just relax and really get to know each other on a deeper level. Being in the FIG has major benefits including making connections with people from the housing staff to even the dean of students and the chancellor! The program really has helped me excel as a student and become involved in many different community service projects. Foundations helped develop me into the leader I am today, and, for that, I am grateful!” -Amber Fulton (Amory, Mississippi)

"I have really enjoyed my time in the FIG. Being from Illinois, I was worried about not knowing anyone. The FIG gave me a chance to meet a lot of new freshmen, males and females! It was beneficial meeting so many freshmen because the majority of us had the same classes, so it was easy if I ever needed help or just we all just wanted to study together. Along with the FIG comes the EDHE class. I really enjoyed my EDHE class! We all became super close, and I learned names much more quickly than I would have otherwise! We also went on a camping trip where I not only met more new people but also learned so much about them and made memories. The FIG allowed me to broaden my horizons, and welcomed me in when I felt so far away from everything I once knew." -Heather Scheiter (Collinsville, Illinois)

"The FIG has been a great addition to my freshman year in college. It was really focused on meeting new people and experiencing new things, which is what I feel like most freshmen would want in their first year of college. One activity we did that I really enjoyed was the group camping trip. It was really fun to hang out by a campfire under the stars with all the guys and girls on the floor. Another thing I really enjoyed was getting involved in the intramural flag football team with all the guys on the floor. All in all, I had a great experience in the FIG and was very glad I got to be a part of it." -Parker Moses (Austin, Texas)

"As a dietetics and nutrition major, I found that The Well was a perfect fit for me. My favorite experience was the camping trip in the fall. It was so great to spend time with other FIG members. The campgrounds were beautiful, and it was fun getting off campus for just a short little trip!" -Ruth Allison McMillin (Madison, Mississippi)

"Joining a FIG has made such a great impact on my freshman year. Living with people with similar interests was so much fun, and we got to know each other so quickly. I probably wouldn't have met some of my awesome new friends if I hadn’t joined a FIG. Participating allowed me to be involved on campus in a fun and effective way. The camping trip was, by far, my favorite activity of the year. We played games, cooked out, and enjoyed the nature around us. Being in an EDHE class with people from my FIG also helped me get to know everyone in my residence hall. There is such a community atmosphere in my FIG that I immediately felt at home. I am so glad I decided to join!" -Kristen Rhodes (Madison, Mississippi)

"The FIG was a great tool to help me start my freshman year in college. It helped me get involved around campus in different activities and social events. In addition to helping me participate on campus, it helped me make great connections with the people on my floor. Overall, the FIG is a great way for freshmen to get acclimated to our campus. Joining made my freshman year so much better!" -Brandon Pryor (Houston, Texas)

“The FIG experience made me enjoy my residential life as a freshman. As a result of my FIG living arrangement, I met the girls on my hall and created lifelong friendships. I am proud to wear my Foundations t-shirts because they not only represent my organization but also the focus on leadership. The skills that I gained by being in Foundations will help me throughout my life.” -Jalisa Allen (Friars Point, Mississippi)

“Getting the opportunity to be a FIG member is a rare opportunity that students should not let slip by. My experience allowed me to adjust to the college life and gave me many great friendships that I will always have. Being a FIG member has made my freshman year worthwhile.” -Garrett Rogers (Tupelo, Mississippi)

“As an out-of-state freshman, I knew I wasn't coming to college as a nobody. I was already a part of something. My peers and I went into this experience with the same mindset: to be leaders. What I've learned most from the program is that to be able to lead others you must know yourself as an individual first. I have learned so much about my own beliefs and the way I think. The best part was that our class gave me the strength to say it all out loud, and I felt accepted. We are all so different, but it makes us appreciate each other so much more. Going on the camping retreat was by far the best experience. We didn't hold back and had the best time letting our crazy inner children break free while at the same time learning so much about one another. The FIG program is one of those things that you don't realize how special it is until you compare it to the relationships of other freshmen and their living experiences. Nothing else compares.” -Lizzy Houska (Saint Louis, Missouri)

”The FIG gave me the opportunity to not only go through the transition from high school to college smoothly but also to have strong bonds with FIG instructors and my FIG peers. Through my FIG, I have made great lifelong friends. This experience has played an exceptional part in my awesome first year experience at Ole Miss.” -Denae Bradley (Utica, Mississippi)

"I don't think that my freshman year would have been the same if I had not been a part of the FIG. We had a lot of different activities and events that allowed everyone to get to know each other better. I also have met some of my best friends at Ole Miss because of the FIG. It was great being around people with outgoing personalities; making friends was really easy. Overall, the FIG has been a big reason why my transition into my first year at Ole Miss has been so smooth." -Mitch England (Saint Louis, Missouri)

Read testimonials from 2011-12 FIG members