My Mama is a Librarian, so one would think that I would have known from the beginning that I wanted to be a Librarian, but sadly it took many years and several Major changes before I discovered my true calling.

 

I began working in a library first as part-time Library Aid, but my Library Director quickly recognized that I had a talent for programming and let me begin developing and implementing programming in our library.  I started with planning and teaching Story Time, and that led to creating an Upcycle Crafts Class, a Cosplay Class, Homeschool Game Day, a Cosplay Class, Read To A Dog Program, Teen Advisory Board, Teen Lock-Ins, Deployed Spouses Dinners...just to name a few.

 

I obsessively loved my job, and that led me to change my major to Library and Information Science and to attend the University of Southern Mississippi.  I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science in May 2019 and then immediately began my Master of Library and Information Science.  I also graduated in May 2020 from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Master of Library and Information degree and a Graduate Certificate in Youth Services and Literature.  Additionally, I returned to USM in the Summer of 2022 and graduated with my Graduate Certificate in Archives and Special Collections in December of 2022

 

I was awarded the Anna M. Roberts Award for Scholarship, Service, and Professionalism while at the University of Southern Mississippi.  The Anna M. Roberts Award is named in honor of Anna Roberts, the first Professor and first Chair of the Library Science department.  The award is voted on by the School of Library and Information Science Faculty.  The Anna M. Roberts Award is given to a graduate of the previous year, majoring in Library Science, who possesses an outstanding scholastic record, who provides evidence of distinguished service to the School of Library and Information Science, the University, and the Community, and who displays promise and leadership in the field of library science.

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I was also honored to be awarded the Warren Tracy Award for Professionalism, Scholarship, & Service named in honor of Warren Francis Tracy, USM Professor Emeritus of Library Science, is given to a graduate MLIS student of the previous year who possesses an outstanding scholastic record, who provides evidence of distinguished service to the School of Library and Information Science, and who displays professional promise and leadership in the field of library science.

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After I graduated with my MLIS, I was promoted to the Reference Librarian at my library.  However, I still do the programming and am honored to have the opportunity to help my Patrons fall in love with libraries!