UM-DeSoto Student Pursues Social Work Degree, Serves Community Along the Way

 

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – From the beginning of her college career, Jasmine Lee wanted to be an educator. She graduated with an associate degree in education from Northwest Mississippi Community College and enrolled at Mississippi State University. In her junior year, however, something just didn’t feel right.

“I came to realize that teaching wasn’t for me,” said Lee, a native of Horn Lake. “I left MSU and had to reevaluate. After some careful consideration I determined that I wanted to pursue social work and enroll at the University of Mississippi – DeSoto.”

In the summer of 2015 Lee reached out to the staff at the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center – Southaven to take advantage of the campus’ 2+2 partnership with NWCC. She credits Sheriece Robinson, UM-DeSoto academic advisor, for helping her confirm her decision to pursue social work.

“From that moment on, I knew the University of Mississippi – DeSoto would be a great school for me to attend,” Lee said. “The staff, professors and students here are very generous to help you any way they can. They truly make you feel like a part of the campus.”

Now a senior at UM-DeSoto, Lee is president of the Student Social Work Organization. She has dedicated herself to serving the community.

“I want the organization and myself to help with the community in any way we can,” she said. “During my time in the group, we’ve participated in the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer, volunteered at Healing Hearts, held a trunk or treat for local schoolchildren, and helped implement a pinwheel garden for child abuse month, just to name a few.”

Lee said her experience at Ole Miss DeSoto has been great due to the close-knit environment. Pat Coats, coordinator of academic support services, served as one of Lee’s mentors who encouraged her to “push forward and never give up.”

“Here I am today about to graduate in May 2017 with my degree in social work,” Lee said. “I am thankful for everyone at the DeSoto campus for helping me along the way. We are a family and that’s what I love most.”

After Commencement, Lee aspires to pursue a master’s degree in social work and become a licensed social worker at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

For more information about the University of Mississippi – DeSoto, visit olemiss.edu/desoto.

By Erin Garrett