By Trudy Crowson
Montevallo, Ala. Attending college for the first time can be daunting for an individual. Everything, from knowing what to bring to finding your way around campus, can be so overwhelming. This was certainly true for UM student, Amanda Boothe.
One thing that was overwhelming for Boothe, was figuring out how to make friends within this new sea of strangers.
“I didn’t have much friends and I needed something fun to do.”
Alpha Gamma
She took a chance by joining a sorority, Alpha Gamma, otherwise known as The Squirrels.
“I took a chance and I really enjoyed it!”
Not only does the sorority build friendships, it keeps her busy. “I’m always doing something with my sorority sisters” Boothe said.
Another thing Amanda did was join clubs. While she was in the clubs, she discovered that she wanted to create content on platforms such as Instagram and Tik Tok, as well as creating beautiful graphics.
“It sparked an interest in me.”
Over the summer, she was given the opportunity to handle the club’s social media. She really enjoyed seeing her work.
“I would love to see my created work on a billboard one day.”
She talked with her advisor, Dr Sally Harding, and figured out the classes that she would need to take to help her achieve these dreams. She began pursuing a degree in mass communications with minors in communications, public relations and social media administration.
Learning Enrichment Center
She is employed as a student worker in the LEC office. Along with her regular job duties, she redesigned some elements in the office by creating new graphics to inspire students and brighten up the space.
Upward Bound
While in high school, Boothe was able to enroll in the Upward Bound program because she was a first-generation college student. This is a program that helps high schoolers who come from families whose members haven’t had previous college experience while meeting certain financial guidelines, a chance to get prepped for a future as a college bound individual.
Not only did Boothe receive college preparation through Upward Bound, but she also received a full ride scholarship. In return for her scholarship, part of the she is required to help new Upward Bound high school students by volunteering monthly.
Also being a responsible college student and taking her grades seriously, Boothe attends tutoring sessions to keep her grades in good standing.
So, with all the time between volunteering, classes, tutoring, part time job, and spending time with her sorority, she made the wise decision to give up the clubs, even “though they were a lot of fun.”
Last but not least
The last connection that Boothe made was probably the most important of all of the connections. She learned to connect with herself. College life has allowed her to become more independent.
“When I got here, I had to learn how to do things that I didn’t know before.”
Finding yourself is a big part of the college experience. Boothe has not only discovered the pathway to her future career, but she has figured out what she is passionate about while enjoying the freedom to be herself and finding the courage to go and try new things.
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