Malerie Yates

Where are you now? 

Stonebridge Elementary, Brandon, MS

Why did you decide to come to MSU and pursue a degree in education?

For my whole life, it was a goal of mine to go to Mississippi State. The atmosphere was my favorite thing! I'd wanted to become a teacher since I was a little girl and I knew MSU had a great program for education. Educators run in my family, so that influenced me a lot. As I began my classes, my passion for elementary really grew. I believe that everything revolves around education and without a good foundation, it is extremely difficult for anyone to succeed and become whoever they want to be whether that be an educator, doctor, businessman, etc...

What do you want people to know about you? 

My number one goal is to show Christ through everything I do!

What activities were you involved in on campus (outside of METP)? 

I was involved in the University Christian Student Center (UCSC).

What advice would you give to entering freshmen or students finishing up high school? 

Do all you can to find your passion and realize that it will require work to achieve that. Study hard but don't forget that you'll never get this time back - so build AMAZING friendships and have fun as well!! Oh - and sleep is important!!