involved on campus, confident

Brittany Jordan is a mass communications major from Calhoun.

Most people don't know that my grandparents have had the biggest influence in my life. Without them, I would not be the person that I am today. I can only hope that one day I will be able to do for them as they have for me.

I have three half siblings, and they are all younger than I am. I almost feel like an only child, mainly because I have lived with my grandparents all my life and have been the only child in their household. I often refer to them as my parents because of the sacrifices they made for me.

I chose ULM because it was very close to home, and I was not ready to move away from my grandparents. ULM was the only university I applied to and once I received my acceptance letter and scholarships, I really had no desire to even consider another institution.

The first organization I joined at ULM was Kappa Delta Sorority. I am also a hawkseeker, a member of CAB and SGA, and a University 101 Peer Leader. This past spring I became a member of the new ULM Pom Line. Out of all the organizations that I am involved in, PREP Staff is by far my favorite. I was a staff member in 2008 and a PREP leader this past summer. Since the age of 16, I have always had a job. During most of my college career, I have been a part-time employee at Dillard's, working in the handbags and accessories department.

After graduation I would love to be a recruiter for the university. ULM has given me so many opportunities to be successful academically and professionally, and I want to return the favor. As a hawkseeker, I have given many tours to prospective students. I can't help but feel as if it is my responsibility to get these students excited about ULM and what the university offers.

ULM is a beautiful campus, but my absolute favorite spot is the Grove. On game days, one can find numerous organizations and tons of free food. I also love the local support; it's really great to see the community supporting ULM. This year I am mostly excited about walking through the Grove with the Pom Line and getting other Warhawk fans pumped as well.

I don't necessarily have a favorite professor, but there has been a staff member who has taught me so much. Amy Robinson is the Coordinator of Events and Marketing for the Office of Recruitment and Admissions. She is also the person who trains the PREP Staff. Amy really has been my mentor for the past two years. She always gives me great advice, and I know I can go to her with any problem. Her passion for ULM is contagious, and I feel lucky to have learned so much from her.

The first spirit competition at PREP this summer really blew me away. All the incoming freshmen were in the Quad surrounding the fountain, screaming and chanting different ULM cheers. It was almost like a small Warhawk riot had broken out, and I was so glad to witness this spirit explosion. It was awesome.

ULM has helped me grow in several ways. Participating in different campus organizations has given me the confidence to be more outgoing and to take pride in ULM. I have learned so much from numerous courses, organizations, and faculty members. I know that after I graduate I will be prepared to face the world, and I can honestly say I owe a large portion of that confidence to ULM.