Time Capsule

 Ava Anderson

Dr. Hitch

Writ 101

May 4, 2026

My Privilege of Learning

So many places and things have contributed to my academic success in my first year at Ole Miss. So much in fact, I can proudly say that I don’t think I would have done as well academically without them. I did so much better whenever I would get out of my dorm, and walk around campus looking for new places to work on classwork, study, have lunch with a friend, and more. My experience here has been nothing less than extremely enjoyable, and I have a lot of factors that played a part to thank for that. Such things include people, places, items, music, and experiences. 

1. The J.D. Williams Library

One place in particular that has done the most for me was the J.D. Williams Library; the third floor in specific. I like the third floor of the library because it is the silent floor, so disruptions in studying are very uncommon. I think I do well studying and doing homework in the library because it feels very secluded, but in the best way possible; in the way that everyone else is in the same boat. I also appreciate the Starbucks on the second floor, as it provides a good beverage or snack to help keep me balanced when I’ve been working for so long. I think the library is placed in the perfect spot on campus, as it is located in the middle of everything. Sometimes I will even meet up with my friends and we will work on our homework together, as sitting in silence with good company is worth so much to me and my mental health. 

2. My friends

With this being said, my friends are another thing that contributed a huge part in not only my academic success, but my social life, mental health, experiences I get to have, and so much more. I came to college with the goal to make as many friends as I could and to find my people; and I can say that I did. I can also proudly say that I have found my future bridesmaids, and I wish I could tell myself a year ago that I’d make so much happen and that everything is going to be okay because the world doesn’t end when you turn 18. I met my friends through my sorority, the girls in my dorm, out on the town, and through friends of friends. I have gotten to know so many people from all different walks of life, states, and even countries. I think it is so crucial to have a support system of people because I don’t think I would have survived my first year of college without my friends. 

3. The Grove

Another place that contributed to my academic success is the Grove. Just like the J.D. Williams Library, the Grove provides a comfortable environment to study, do homework, have lunch with friends, meet for tutoring, etc. The Grove provides a homey and safe feel to studying, as there’s something so peaceful about nature in a world full of screens. It is also in the middle of a lot of buildings that I have class in, so whenever I have a break between classes, I like to find a bench to either relax on until my next class or work on more classwork. I have gotten so much work done while sitting on a bench in the middle of the Grove, sometimes accompanied by tea from the tea trailer. 

4. The Tea Trailer

As it might now be obvious in this essay, I find it very important that you treat yourself with something small while working on your studies. Whether it is a coffee from Starbucks or Magnolia, a tea from the Tea Truck, or a snack from the Pod, I think it’s crucial to remind yourself that there is always something to find joy in even if you’re stressing about an exam, finals, or homework. With this being said, I have always loved getting a Southern Belle tea from the Tea Trailer, as it serves as a reminder that I am present in a time that I will be nostalgic over for years; being at the University of Mississippi studying and making new memories every day. 

5. My sorority!

Another hobby/interest I have is my involvement in my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I love being in a sorority here at Ole Miss because it provides a sense of sisterhood and family with a bunch of girls who have similar interests. I always attend every sorority event, as I get to spend time with my closest friends and make new ones! I never thought I’d get involved with Fraternity and Sorority Life, but being here makes me feel like I belong somewhere and for that I am so grateful. I have friends in every sorority here, and nobody is really that different from one another; other than where they grew up. I have met a lot of girls who share the same taste in music as me, sense of fashion, and humor. This makes me feel like I truly belong here and that I chose the right place to go to school, and I am so grateful I went through primary recruitment. 

6. Music

When trying to sum up the whole semester, one thing that I can say stayed consistent everyday was how much I had listened to music. Every morning before leaving for class, I would put my airpods in my ears and listen to whatever song was somehow stuck in my head that morning, and it would keep my thoughts balanced when walking to class. I can’t explain the science behind it, but listening to my favorite music at almost the highest volume makes me more capable to get things done throughout the day, and keep distractions away. 

7. Cars

One “hobby” my friends and I all share is to drive around and listen to music, get food, and walk around places in comfortable clothes. I’ve always loved spending time with my friends, and when you mix that with good music and a nice drive, it’s always a great time. I think these car rides have contributed a lot to my enjoyment of life here at UM, because it is a good stress relief and a reminder to live in the moment as we will only be this young for so long. I especially enjoy these rides as I do not have my car at school because I live 12 hours away in Wisconsin, and it reminds me of what a privilege it is to have a car and friends to spend time with; who all share the same interests in driving around. 

Freshman year at Ole Miss has been my greatest blessing yet, and I have learned so much over this past year. Whether academically or socially, I am sure that I have become smarter, happier, and overall a better person. I now love and cherish so many new experiences and people so much, and this is so special as the goal was to get an education. Leaving everything you’ve ever known at 18 is completely normal, but it is also very scary. Moving 600+ miles away from home is something not everyone gets the privilege of doing, and I am so grateful that I can call Ole Miss my home away from home.