Bekah (Blythe) Blake

Where are you now?

Olive Branch Middle School, Olive Branch, MS

Why did you choose to come to MSU?

I chose to come to MSU because, of the eleven college campuses I visited, MSU was the place where I felt at home. Everyone I came into contact with was so nice and genuinely cared about me. The campus was beautiful, and I really enjoyed my time spent on campus. The biggest reason I chose MSU was because of the METP program. The METP program was unlike any other scholarship program I had heard about, and I was immediately intrigued. When I realized the experiences it offered, scholarship benefits, and amazing faculty who wanted to work with me, I was so excited. Being accepted into METP there at MSU confirmed my decision to go to Mississippi State, and that was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

How did the METP program enhance your college experience at Mississippi State?

The METP program enhanced my college experience in a number of ways. METP was a relatively small program, so everyone knew each other. I had several older students who had taken the same classes as I had and were more than willing to help me with anything I needed. We had weekly METP meetings, and we got to hear from speakers about everything from time management to how to incorporate exercise into the classroom. We also had cross-campus visits with the METP group from Ole Miss every semester, where one group traveled to the other campus and we'd spend time together and learn more about education in our world today.  I got to study abroad with METP, which was an unbelievable experience that I was so excited to participate in.

What are some of your on-campus involvements outside of METP?

Outside of METP, I was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, Shackouls Honors College, and the Outdoor and Film Committee. I was also very involved in RUF, an on-campus student ministry, and I was a member of Saving Silhouettes, an organization which raises awareness on campus for sex trafficking and slavery all over the world.

Please share a funny moment/interesting fact about yourself.

I own 27 pairs of fuzzy socks.