Meet Maggie Williams

Cheers, y’all! I’m Maggie Williams and I’m your instructor for our academic adventures across the pond this summer. When I’m not traveling the world, I’m based in Hattiesburg, Miss., where I teach writing, reporting and editing classes at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have a husband, Joe Clark, and a daughter, Mary, who just graduated from high school and will be attending USM in the fall. They will join us at the halfway point in this class and go with us to Dublin for LondonAWAY and keep me company while you are on minibreak. We like animals at our house: At home in Hattiesburg this summer are seven dogs, five birds, a turtle, a chameleon and some fish. While in London, you might find me exploring a museum or attending a play … or reading one of the many national newspapers available daily in the U.K. Yep, I'm a news junkie and there's no better place to be one than in Britain. I’m looking forward to a great summer with you all and I hope you are, too. See you in London, July 1!

Meet Adam Troxtell

I am from Tom Bean, Texas, which is a very small town, and I went to the high school there (my graduating class had 70 people in it). I think being from such a small place has given me a desire to see the world. That's part of the reason I chose Journalism as my major, because I know it can take me many places. I am the managing editor of the A&M-Commerce student newspaper, The East Texan. I have a desire to live and work in London someday, and that really comes down to one major interest, soccer. I played it since I was five, never stopped loving it and I don't plan to anytime soon. I figure if you're going to cover soccer for various media sources, why not try to do it in the best place possible; the country where it was born. This is my first trip to Europe. I'm hoping it's a real eye opener.

Meet Taylor Gentry

My name is Taylor Wilhemina  Gentry and I am now entering my third year at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.  I was born in Houston Texas and shortly after I moved to Arlington Texas where I have lived since I left for college.  Family plays a very influential role in my life helping with every decision I make.  My dad is a gastroenterologist and my mother was an attorney but does not practice anymore.  My older brother is senior biology major at the University of Texas, which is one main reason why I chose to go to Alabama.  I also have two younger sisters, one that also has plans to visit London and a younger brother.  I am actually the first in my family to be born in the states considering everyone before is originally from the Netherlands.  This is one reason I am so excited to visit other places and reconnect with other family members.   I am majoring in fashion merchandizing and general business with hopes of someday owning something of my own.  Charity and volunteering are very important things to me.  For the last five years I have been working with the Boys and Girls club helping underprivileged children.  At the beginning of May I acted as a guardian taking fifty WW11 veterans to Washington to show them their memorials as a token of appreciation.  Usually I spend my summers at my lake house and traveling various places mostly involving music festivals.  Although I have no musical talents at all, it still remains a great hobby of mine.  I am very open-minded to mostly anything and I am super excited to what Europe has in store!

Meet Keisha Williams

June 28, 1990 I was born in Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. I was born to two military parents, Marius Williams and Iridiana Hernandez. At five months I was sent to live with my grandparents, Lee Morris and Viola Williams. My entire life I have moved between mother, father and grandparents  in and out of states and out of the country. Most of my life I was raised by my grandparents who also raised my brother, Kwame and my cousin, Markell. We’ve lived in West Point, Mississippi attending the local school and St. Paul M.B. Church. Moving between my parents and grandparent was a good experience and stressful. I’ve moved out of the country to  live in Germany in the fifth grade and I’ve already traveled all around Europe and into Saudi Arabia. I learned to love traveling and being adventurous. Also I’ve come to learn foreign languages which I speak a little to a few words in a few languages and I love culture so I’m always interested in going somewhere and blending in. During my high school year I attended three high schools:  Judson High School in San Antonio, Texas;  Rock Ridge Senior High in Columbia, Missouri and West Point High School in West Point, Mississippi.  I had moved from from my parents back with my grandparents. During that time I helped my grandparents  take care of my grandpa’s mother, P.B.  I graduated West Point High School in 2008 and a few days later attended EMCC  (East Mississippi Community College) where I began my first two years and gained more than enough credits  to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi. I’m now a fourth year at the University of Southern  Mississippi where I study Public Relations and Marketing. I’m involved in several organizations on campus: Public Relations Student Society of America, African American Student Organization, American Advertising Federation, Transfer Leader Board and Alpha Kappa Psi.  For next year I plan to be more active in my career  fields and around campus. I have sketched out the next two years in a broad outline along side my boyfriend of six months two year plan.  It’s recently that I’ve been able to learn more about myself during my first and second semester at USM. I’ve learned that I can be very controlling,  overly excited and have mood swings depending on what I am doing or not doing. I’ve been waiting  to leave the country and I’m always thinking of something  to do or how to improve to be more productive and successful.

Meet Miranda Stewart

My name is Miranda Stewart and I am from Gulfport, MS or as most would say the Gulf Coast, which isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  I entered this world on February 23, 1991 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am 20 years young and have a lot left to look forward to.  I am currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi (To The Top) majoring in Advertising with a double minor in Marketing and Spanish.  Once I graduate from USM I plan to continue with school to receive my Masters and possibly a PhD.  With my degree I hope to create ads by joining the creative department and eventually become the creative director of an advertising firm.  Opening my own firm one-day might also be in the works or possibly working internationally!  I have many goals that I would like to accomplish in the near future, one that includes an internship with Leo Burnett Advertising Agency.  My dream job is to one -day work for the Coca- Cola Company, which was the inspiration to my current career path.  I have always enjoyed art weather it involves learning the history of it or physically doing it. The Coke advertisements that have been created now and in the past have always visually caught my eye.  The campaign slogan is also captivating it gets my attention every time “Open Happiness.”  My first and foremost goal once I graduate USM is to move away, far, far, away.  My all time favorite place to be is New York City.  After one visit I knew NYC was the place for me.  The history, people, face paced life, and architectural development is so amazing that I wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.  I would love for my life to be in retrospect to “The Devil Wears Prada” or “Morning Glory.” This is because both main characters are determined to do what they love and are willing to work hard to achieve their goals, while still staying true to themselves and gaining independence.  I try to live according to Maya Angelou, "I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass."  I think this statement describes how strongly I feel about accomplishing my goals; no one is going to tell me I can’t.

I love to travel, explore and experience new things every day, which is why I have chosen to do the British Studies Program offered.  From this I hope to gain an entirely new perspective on life.  I hope that from this experience I can grow individually as well as accomplishing the many goals I have set for myself along with creating new ones.  The BSP is a great way to learn outside of the classroom and I am greatly looking forward to the new friends and life long impact it will have on me.   

Meet Kaprisha Fields

I’m Kaprisha Fields, a college freshman at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. I’m pursuing a Bachelors of Arts degree in Journalism with an interest in Advertising Public Relations. I’m determined, motivated and confident to become the person I’m meant to be in life. My peers consider me a friendly, fun, helpful, loving and happy person. I enjoy meeting new people and becoming a friend they can depend and rely on. Being helpful in a person’s life is a sign of caring and to care means to love and cherish life.  It’s easier for me to smile everyday and stay positive because I have a lot to be happy about and I try not to let things worry me. I enjoy being me, meeting new people and being a help to someone’s life. I always remind myself and others to pursue excellence even if you have to take two steps backwards in order to take the first step forward. I believe in living my life to its fullest without allowing fear to control my path to success and happiness. With my determination and will power, I know I will make a difference in this world.

Meet John Barr

My name is John Barr, and I am a senior at The University of Southern Mississippi.  Originally, I am from Gautier, MS, a small town on the Gulf Coast, and in May of 2008, I graduated from Gautier High School.  Now at Southern Miss aspiring toward a career in film and television, I am working to get a degree in Sociology with a minor in Media Production. My time at Southern Miss has provided me with extensive experience in both the planning and production phases of large-scale events, which will be an asset in the future.  The extent of my involvement is vast, ranging from work with the Southern Miss Activities Council, Student Government Association, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity while serving as the 2010 and 2011 Eaglepalooza Concert Director.

In the future, I intend to put my degree to work in the production, script writing, and creative aspects of both film and primetime television shows.  All my life I have held a passion for this field, and my time in college has been spent becoming increasingly more invested in it. The majority of my research and coursework done at Southern Miss has been directed toward the analysis of various aspects of both TV and film productions, including character development and dialogue. I also have already had the opportunity to work as a set production assistant on The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 & 2 production set in early 2011.  Following graduation from Southern Miss in May 2012, I wish to attend graduate school in pursuit of a Master’s in Screenwriting. 

Meet Jessica Thompson

Born Jessica Lorin Thompson on August 25, 1990 in Budingen Hessen, Germany and no I am not a German citizen. Thanks to my dad for serving in Desert Storm, he and my mom were stationed in Germany. Twenty years later, I am now a resident of Hattiesburg MS. I graduated from Pearl River Community College with my Assosiates in Business Marketing and Management Technology in 2010 and I am currently pursuing my Bachelors in Advertising with a minor in marketing. I love the marketing world. I have been interested in this career field since my junior year of high school. There is just something about it that makes me feel that this is where I belong.

In addition to my love for marketing and the business world I have a passion for music and tattoos. First off, I am a big fan of Lady Gaga. She is such an inspiring artist through her outrageous fashion, music, and innovated marketing strategies. She is an artist who I look up to and respect. On the flip side, I have love for alternative rock music. Some of my favorite bands are Halestorm, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, and Shinedown.  Music is an important part of who I am because it is my escape from the all the ugly things in the world, it brings me to my happy place. I also am fascinated by tattoos. It is an outlet of self expression that can never be erased. I currently have six, but before departure to the British Studies Program, I plan to add another to the canvas. Every tattoo I have tells a story and has a deep meaning to me.

Of course my family and friends are very dear to me. They may be a little corky but I would not exchange them out for anything! Without them I would not be able to function quite right. I am the only child between my mom and dad; however my best friend, who is also named Jessica, is the sister I never had. Michael is my other half and I would not be complete without him, he is the most humble and sweetest person I know. Sometimes I am not sure how he puts up with all my spur-of-the-moment ideas. I also have a special love for my two dogs, Mogley and Bigsy. The two little five pounders give me a joy that is irreplaceable.

A few things I enjoy doing on my free time are reading an intriguing fantasy filled book, spending time at the beach on a hot sunny day, and watching a funny movie with a big bowl of popcorn. Oh and of course I love to travel. It has always been a dream of mine to travel the world. I hope that one day I can say that I have seen the world up close and personal. This amazing opportunity to the British Studies Program is going to check off some of the places on my bucket list and I cannot wait! In short, I am just a passionate person who is looking to live life to its fullest.

Meet Jessica Holliday

Let’s start at the beginning shall we? Born December 23, 1989 on a rare snowy day in the Deep South, I was an emergency caesarian in the rank city of Bogalusa, Louisiana. The name is Jessica Morgan Holliday. My birth date led to a fascination with the number 23 and my last name a desire to have a doctorate degree just so I could call myself “Doc Holliday.” I would not be who I am today without the people I have in my life. I have one younger brother named William, but to me he is simply “Buddy.” He is funny, wildly athletic, and he has my heart. I have wonderful parents that were high school sweethearts and are still throwing a metaphorical finger to divorce statistics after 26 years together. My mother is my very best friend and my father is my world-travelled hero in uniform. My parents are everything that I strive to become one day and they have made my life amazing. I have two crazy roommates that have been with me through thick and thin: Jessica and Michael put up with all of my insanity and I couldn’t imagine college life without them. They are my family sans the bloodline. Then there’s this guy that I just cannot seem to get away from: Jordan has stuck with me since high school and I love him terribly.

Currently, I am a Medical Technology major with a minor in Biological Sciences. However, my real passion is food. I absolutely love everything about being in a loud, crazy kitchen. I currently cook a variety of desserts and specialty items at Crescent City Grill and Purple Parrot Café and I love my job. When I’m not working or going to school I like to watch movies and spend time with my friends and family. Painting, boxing, and running are my stress relievers. I listen to all genres of music and love many artists from Elvis to Mudvayne.  Lady Gaga and Marilyn Monroe are my idols and my inspiration. I love reading sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal romance, but my favorite thing to read is comic books; I collect X-Men, Batman, and Lady Mechanika. Reading takes me to places far more interesting than Mississippi, and travel is the one thing that I really want out of life. People and cultures fascinate me. I have seen over one fifth of the United States and my goal is to spend time in all fifty states. I have marched in the London New Years day parade. I have been all over Australia, snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, and spoken to aborigines of the lost generation. I have also seen most of the north island of New Zealand and lived with a Maori tribal family. These experiences have shaped my life and left me with a burning desire to see the rest of the world.

            Overall, I am an outgoing, fun person; Southern, tattooed, loud and proud. I am blunt, and have been called brutally honest on many occasions. On the flip side of all that, I have a huge heart, and am extremely protective of everyone I love. I love to meet new people and learn new things. I tend to be a little quirky and can have a quick temper, but I will be the first to admit my flaws. All in all, I love to look around and appreciate life, because the fun really is in the journey, not the destination. It’s been a hell of a journey so far and the next step is just waiting to be taken.

Meet Jennifer Bell

My name is Jennifer Bell. I am 20 years old and I’m currently a student at the University of Memphis. I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. For years I have been planning on being a nurse. But I have dreamed about studying abroad ever since I can remember. I have been doing research on study abroad since October of last year. In January I was waiting on class in Patterson Hall’s lobby. At this point I was making excuses and siking myself out about actually making this idea a reality. Patterson Hall is a decent size space where there were many chairs that I could have sat in. I fatefully and conveniently sat down in front of a sign that was advertising for a study abroad fair and can you guess what day it was? It was that day. I was able to attend and was able to speak with the advisors and students that were able to guide me to this program. I have always been interested with journalism. I love talking to people and learning about different cultures as well as views. I cannot wait to meet everyone and build relationships that will mold me into who I am supposed to be. I hope that this experience will open my eyes to a whole new perspective and give me opportunities of a lifetime. I am a believer in fate I know that this summer is something that I was born for. I know that I will learn and become the women I am supposed to be. I didn’t sit down in front of that sign for nothing. Whatever this summer has in store for me I am ready. BRING IT SUMMER IN LONDON 2011!!

Meet Jenna Talley

My name is Jenna Talley and I am 23 years old. I’ve been at USM for the past five years trying to figure out what to do with my life. I will be graduating in August when I return from London and I still have no idea what I want to do with my life. I’m majoring in Broadcast Journalism and am getting a minor in Business Administration. I’ve been quite a slacker my entire college career except in the courses that interest me. I’ve made the grades needed to get by but am now wishing I would’ve done so much more.  I chose broadcast because my dream was to be a reporter for ESPN NASCAR and meet Dale Earnhardt, Jr., fall in love and get married. About a year into it, I realized how crazy I was.

I am from the beautiful coast of Mississippi and have grown up here my entire life. I get very homesick when I get too far away from the water. I like to spend my weekends on the river or at one of our barrier islands. When it’s too cold to go boating, and sometimes even when it is not, I enjoy going shopping with my mom. I’m not your typical girl, but I think I’m pretty awesome. I rushed, but made the decision that a sorority was not for me. I prefer to hang out with guys because girls cause too much drama. I like to ride four wheelers and get muddy. I’m a country girl. I will try almost anything once, but once I have made my mind up about something, I’m not budging. I’ve been very lucky growing up, my parents have worked very hard to own their own business and I have never wanted for anything. 

I am very stubborn when it comes to something I am passionate about. I have a hard time admitting when I am wrong, unless it is completely obvious to me that I am 100% wrong. If I am the least bit right about something, I will argue it to the death. I’ve been told that I have a very strong personality, and that sometimes that is a good thing and other times it is bad. I think it is good because I know where I stand and I don’t let people walk all over me.

I am very excited and extremely scared about my trip to London. I know I will be forced to experience things out of my comfort zone and I think that will be very good for me. I hope that through this trip I will be able to learn more about myself, and who I want to be. 

Meet Ashleigh Johnson

            My name is Ashleigh Johnson. I am 20 years old and originally from Hattiesburg. I am currently in my third year of school. I am a double major in Journalism and Political Science and I hope to get my minor in Spanish. My emphasis in Journalism is News-Editorial.

            I graduated from Oak Grove High School in 2009. My best friend from high school is actually doing British Studies also but she is taking the Children’s Literature class. Other than her I don’t know anyone else that is going really well but I hope that changes soon!

            I like to read a lot and I watch entirely too much online television. I am a desk assistant in Hattiesburg Hall and I always spend the majority of my shifts finding new shows and watching them from the beginning. I am also really organized and I probably make three different lists a day for various things.

            For the mini break I really want to try to go to Italy, so I am hoping that other people want to as well so we can go in a big group. I have never been out of the states and I am really excited about doing so in July!

Meet Arlicia McGhee

Hello you all,

My name is Arlicia McGhee.  I am a graduate student at USM studying Public Relations.  This summer will actually be my second semester as a grad student.  I also received my degree from the university last December in English, and hope to finish my master’s degree in May.  I am from a town called McComb, MS, which is about an hour and a half from Hattiesburg.  A few things about me: I am loving, caring, and considerate of others.  I find it necessary to be nice to others because I would like for others to treat me the same.  One fault about myself is I have a tendency to be quiet at times because I can be extremely shy, but once I become comfortable with you, I am tons of fun and laughter.  This is my first time studying abroad and traveling overseas in general so I am really excited and looking forward to meeting everyone.  I am sure we all will become close friends during our stay in London, and I’m ready to form friendships with my soon-to-be classmates.  Maybe, I will have some takers to see Transformers 3 and the final Harry Potter with me during our stay!

Meet Anna White

About Me

I was born and raised in quiet Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Fortunately, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in California when I was 10 after my mom re-married. I went from a small quiet family of four to a crazy family of eight, but don’t get us confused with “The Brady’s.”

Theatre, poetry, volleyball, designing, and hockey are just a few of my favorite hobbies and interests. I performed in high school, but being center stage is an old thrill. I love to write poetry, spoken word pieces, and in general as a creative outlet. Volleyball is fun but my lack of coordination makes it hard for me to take it seriously. I love hockey, Go San Jose Sharks!

As for my knack for designing, I hope to become a professional designer and Creative Director in an on-line or print production one day. I am majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Magazine and a minor in Creative Arts at San Jose State University.  I have two jobs to support my education. I work as an SJSU Peer Mentor, mentoring students through their academic career. My second job is my internship with Sony PlayStation in Foster City, Calif. I work as an Asset Artist Intern, creating artwork and copy alongside the Marketing team for the on-line network and store.

These dream jobs didn’t come easy. I’ve paid my dues working retail, serving customers, and even making French fries at a snack bar. The hard work really does pay off in the end. However, I still have a long way to go to reach my ultimate dream. I can’t wait to see where life takes me.

Meet Amber Rutland

My name is Amber Rutland. I am an upcoming senior in majoring in Communication Studies. College has been a bit of a roller coaster for me. I started my freshman year at the University of Alabama but after realizing it was too big for me I came home to the one place I said I’d never come, Southern Miss. I have majored in Public Relations, Marketing and finally I think I have found my niche majoring in Communication Studies. Now that I am approaching my senior year I am getting nervous about the future and wishing my time away here in Hattiesburg and in college. I was in the sorority Tri Delta for two years but got burnt out with all the roll calls and not being able to work as much as I wanted. I found my friends and realized I didn’t need to stay in an organization to maintain them.

              I am from Hattiesburg and have lived here all my life. I went to high school at Oak Grove. I have a brother who is married and lives in Clinton. Both of my parents still reside in Hattiesburg. My father works on ATM machines and my mother is a realtor. My mother was a military brat and lived in Germany so she especially is excited about me being able to go to Europe and see the other side of the world. I have one dog that lives at my parents and is a gold lab. Hopefully after I graduate I can get another dog that will officially be “mine”.

            I work at McB’s as a sales associate. I have worked there for almost two years. I absolutely love it. I love fashion and eventually I hope to be sales representative for a clothing line or working in the industry.  I lived in New York City the summer after my freshman year where I was an intern for a fashion showroom and learned how much I loved the industry.

            My favorite food is Mexican. I think I could eat it every day of the week. I usually like to go to Del Sol with my friends. I am not very good at trying new food but I guess on this adventure I will have to get good at it.

            I have been out of the country only to go to the Bahamas on a vacation so I am very excited to go out of the country minus the flying part. I have always wanted to go abroad and after talking to many people who have graduated and didn’t go abroad they said that was the main thing they regretted. I wanted to make sure it wouldn’t be something I regretted.  I do not have any of my good friends going on this trip while I do know people and this is fine with me except when it comes to the separate traveling so hopefully I will meet people that are interested in going to some of the same places as I am.