Classics Student Ambassadors

Annabelle—a Classics and English double major—is a writer of young-adult fiction, a motivational speaker, and a journalist. Her novel, Ode to Rebellion, was on the state bestsellers list of her native Oklahoma. She has given inspirational talks at high schools about the craft of writing and the importance of “following your dreams.” On campus she writes for the Daily Mississippian, the award-winning student newspaper and is vice president of Cover-to-Cover.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose the University of Mississippi because of the amazing creative writing program we have here, and beyond that, the university and Oxford have prestigious literary ties. From William Faulkner, John Grisham, and numerous well published faculty, I felt that I could learn and grow so much at UM.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
I originally started as an English: Creative Writing major, with plans to minor in Classics. I have always wanted to be an author, at least since first grade, so Creative Writing was a natural choice. As far as Classics is concerned, my choice to add on Classics as a major was because I’ve had several awesome teachers. I took Latin in high school as my foreign language, and thanks to my teacher, I fell in love with the language and Grecco-Roman history and culture. When I started taking Latin at UM, I was welcomed into the Classics department by professors who love to teach and love the subject. Honestly, my Latin 101 class with Dr. Dibiasie-Sammons first semester of my freshman year rekindled my love for Classics and I just couldn’t let it go.

What are your career goals?
I want to continue writing. I plan to publish more books, many with influences from my Classics education. After I have made a name for myself, I would like to start my own publishing company. When I was trying to publish my first novel, I found it incredibly difficult to get anyone to read it because I was 16 at the time. My publishing company would focus on publishing the works of young, and young adult authors so they don’t have to go through the same trials I did.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
I have had the honor of working with so many great professors here, it is difficult to just pick one! Professor Tom Franklin has been a ton of help as I continue to practice my storytelling skills. I learned much about my own style in his Fiction course. I ended up going to office hours with him at least once a week to sit and talk about my story and how I could make it better. I am very grateful for his help and his guidance as I work on my next novel.

What has been a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community—either on or off-campus?
Freshmen year I knew no one at the university. I was going to school 500 miles away from where I grew up, but after I got involved in the honors college and it’s many opportunities, I met many people from many different places. I have had the opportunity to work with local elementary students. I’ve been able to travel and do research and through all of that I have met several people who are now some of my closest friends.

What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies, interests)?
I love to read, write (obviously), scrapbook, paint, listen to music, really anything artsy!

What are some dream travel destinations (and why)?
Rome! And several places in Greece. I am very excited to get to travel to Rome with the Classics department in January 2022! Just being able to see and walk around the same places the Romans did 2,000 years ago would be amazing. Plus what better research for a book than to see it all in person!