Summer school at Ole Miss

I interviewed an Ole Miss student, Ashley Dean, about going to summer school. She said she enjoyed that the classes are smaller which enables the teachers to spend more time with each student. Ashley also said it is hard being here during the summer when she would normally be at home in Florida going to the beach everyday. I filmed around campus during the day to show how it feels on a normal day of summer school at Ole Miss.

Full-time students with part-time jobs

One can put a whole new twist on the literal/figurative meaning of words at Ole Miss. Most students go to "The Library" for relaxing social interaction; others goes as a means to an end. Those fortunate enough to have unlimited financial resources can enjoy a variety of social settingsaround town that give them opportunites to expand their circle of friends and acquaintances. Some students scurry to "The Library" in the evenings to work, smile, greet customers, and collect as many tips as possible so they can get up the next morning and go to the library and study quickly before going to class and then back to "The Library." It all comes down to time management. Often times they plot and plan with others to swap schedules and shifts in order to meet academic deadlines and study groups. "You really have to learn how to use your time wisely just to keep up with everyday responsibilites," said Ashley Dean, a bartender at The Library. Sleep is the rarest of commodities among the students who lead these double lives as workers and students. One has to wonder if academic achievement suffers because of this life in the fast lane or could it help the ultimate goal of these determined students.

There is apparently a great divide in the belief that students should devote their entire undergraduate time to classes, fun, and entertainment and the belief that they should work and be responsible for their finances during this time. Many come through their undergraduate years with a better understanding of the importance of reaching their goal of leaving with a degree that will enable them to follow their dreams of a stable career with financial rewards. There may be some merit to the idea that working hard and being sleep-deprived while earning a degree will make these students more determined than ever to reach their goals. Obviously, there are success stories for students who are not required to work, as well as for students who have to juggle jobs, sleep, and school in order to achieve their goals. As a general rule, one group hangs out on one side of the bar, while one group hangs out on the other side. They both meet people and socialize, but the difference lies in the fact that one spends the money while the other makes the money. In the light of day, both groups go  to class and work towards a common goal. The visible difference may be in fact that the working students walk a little faster pace. After graduation, the working studnets can finally slow down slightly, while the others have to pick  up their pace and begin working.

Transfer students left behind

Guillermo Buitrago

Students sometimes choose a community college for financial reasons or to make the transition from high school to college a little easier. Many transfer students find that using a community college as a buffer only delays the more challenging curriculum at a university. Guillermo Buitrago shared his experience of transferring from Itawamba Community College to The University of Mississippi.

http://www.vuvox.com/my_vox/04561e7672