“My favorite outside-the-classroom experiences were provided by the Lott Institute—an internship during the summer for Senator Wicker and I participated in the White House Internship program in Washington, DC. I was placed in the Office of Presidential Personnel. With these opportunities, I’ve applied academics to achieve and excel. While grades are a factor in being selected for such positions, implementation of both academic and leadership lessons learned in the classroom was also important in enabling me to serve in these capacities.”