a wider view of the world, loves what she does

Kelsea McCrary of Bastrop is a senior majoring in graphic design.

I have two siblings: a sister who's the oldest and a brother who's in the middle. I'm the baby!

I have been on the dance team here for 3 years. I was a Warbonnet for 2 years, and I am now a member of the Hawk Line. I've served as an officer for the past 2 years. I'm also active in Campus Activities Board, Kappa Pi Art Fraternity, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Right now I'm coaching Ouachita Christian School's dance team, the Eagle Line. I also help out other local dance teams, providing choreography or helping with their tryouts. I love to teach dance; it's almost as good as actually dancing.

I love what I do everyday, and that's something I hope to be able to say when I graduate and find a job. Dance takes up the majority of my time, and hopefully after school I can continue working with it somehow. Being a graphic designer is something I have wanted since high school, when I joined the yearbook staff. I'd love to attend graduate school and work with a design firm.

My favorite spot on campus is Brown 122, the dance studio. My first experience with college dance was in that room, and it became my home away from home. Now we have moved to Brown gym for practice, but the dance studio is still synonymous with my Warbonnet and Hawk Line experiences. It holds a special place in my heart. I grew as a dancer, made lifelong friends, and formed memories I'll never forget. Walking into that room just allows me to leave everything—stress with school, assignments—and just be myself and listen to the music and perform a talent that I share with my friends.

Mr. Fassett is my graphic design professor, and he is the ultimate mentor. He knows everything! My first art class was Basic Design my freshman year and after leaving that class, I knew the art department was where I belonged. He has continued to teach me every semester since then as I have progressed through the program. I've learned so much from him, not just about graphic design but about life after college, jobs, and insights on just about everything. Mrs. White is my piano instructor, and I consider her to be one of my best friends. We also met my freshman year, and my lessons with her quickly became the highlight of my week. Music is a huge part of my life and very important to my family, and I am so thankful for her influence.

My favorite memory at ULM is dancing at the Miss ULM pageant the past three years and during football games, especially the Grambling game. I love stepping out onto the field with my team and seeing the fans in the stands. During pregame when the band plays the Fight Song and the team runs out onto the field, it reminds me again how lucky I am to have this opportunity. The crowd at the Grambing game was amazing, and I know I'll never forget that! The energy was crazy, and it was so packed. That is the biggest crowd I have ever performed for, and it was amazing. Miss ULM is a beautiful program and we get the opportunity to perform several times, and they are different styles of dance that showcase our versatility.

My student planner is my life! I try to stay organized as much as possible, but I don't naturally lean that way. My mama is who I look to for inspiration with that; she always keeps me grounded, and my roommates keep me sane when I get stressed out! I have to admit, I love being involved on campus. Being busy is just a part of the college life I've chosen, and I enjoy every minute of it.

ULM has brought me unique experiences, like traveling all over with the Hawk Line and the other Spirit Groups. The classes I've taken and the people in those classes have taught me about myself and have given me a wider view of the world. I also have been blessed with wonderful friends that come from all over the state and the country. They keep me laughing; I don't know what I'd do without them.