Stacy Jones is currently working on his D.A. in Chemistry and plans to attend Medical School.

As an entering freshman, I had a great deal of trepidation about my first year at Ole Miss. Although I had graduated from my small school in the Mississippi Delta at the top of my class, I realized that my college career would be a great deal different from my high school career. I had the same adjustment issues that all freshmen have -- meeting new friend, finding classes, picking a comfortable major. As most, I rose to the occasion. However, I missed the sense of close community that I had felt at my high school. I looked forward to finding some group or organization that could fill this missing part of my college life.
During my sophomore year, I was introduced to the MAMP Program and became a part of IMAGE. I found in IMAGE all of the things that I had been seeking. The restriction to only science and engineering students allowed me to get to know people on a more personal basis, those who had taken classes with me but were not in chemistry, my major. The motivational speakers encouraged us by relating how they had graduated from college with perfect G.P.A.'s and had gone on to graduate school. A commitment to service and academics was stressed, focusing on a well- rounded individual. By being a part of IMAGE, the last three years of my undergraduate career were the best. Not only did IMAGE help me become the best academician that I could be, but it also cemented my commitment to graduate education.
My involvement with IMAGE and MAMP did not end when I graduated. After I returned to graduate school at The University of Mississippi, I decided to give back to the organization that supported me. Moreover, I decided to try to emulate the excellent mentorship that the leaders of IMAGE, particularly its program coordinators and my chemistry mentor, had shown me. I became a mentor to undergraduate science students, as well as a subject area tutor for chemistry. I have enjoyed the opportunity of seeing others evolve as I did during my participation in IMAGE. My role as mentor and tutor has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my graduate career.
As I finish my doctorate in chemistry this year, I can honestly say that I am grateful for the opportunities that MAMP and IMAGE have provided for me. The Program has made me a stronger academic student, a compassionate mentor, and an attentive tutor. My experiences have all been positive and I admire how the program has benefited me. I only hope that MAMP and IMAGE will help future students at Ole Miss and other universities in the state for many years to come.