Dear Clemson,
If you know me, you know that I’ve always been a Tiger. I grew up in Greenville, SC, just a short 45-minute drive from campus, watching football games with my family every Saturday and cheering on the Tigers whenever possible. My decision to double major in sports communication and marketing was rooted, in part, because of the community and memories I had made surrounding this place. There was no other school I wanted to attend more than Clemson University.
As a first-generation student, finding the right place for me, where I felt like I was with family and could count on those around me to help me through the process, was imperative. I had never filed for financial aid or scholarships– and neither had my family. The thought of scheduling a semester of classes and getting involved on campus seemed so foreign to me.
When my twin sister and I moved into our freshmen year dorm in Manning Hall, however, I began to feel those fears assuage, even if the anxiety and sadness to see my family go still lingered. Despite that, I was so excited to embark on this journey that I knew would change my life forever.
Just a semester into my freshman year, however, on December 4, 2022, my sister and I received a call that would irrevocably mold us forever: our mom had unexpectedly passed away. We had just made it back to the dorm after a weekend spent at home when we found out. Suddenly, I realized that home isn’t just a physical location, it’s the people you love and get to share life with, and my siblings and I had just lost the woman who was our home.
Because of this, Clemson became even more of a home than it had ever been. My professors, faculty and staff, and our friends all rallied around us to make us feel supported. And I felt just that.
My mom was so excited to see Rylie and I take on Clemson and the next journey of our lives. She was the biggest fan of my siblings and I, and I felt empowered to live for her and make the most of my opportunities here at Clemson.
I have gotten the privilege to serve as an account manager and Agency Director for Cadency, our student-led brand agency, and as the Senior Chair of the Marketing Student Advisory Board. I am a lead intern for the Clemson Athletic Marketing Department and a co-director of the Clemson Period Project. I also get to create marketing and communications content for local non-profits at the Pearce Center.
My mom was only 43 when we lost her, so I have challenged myself to grow and learn as much as I can, whenever I can. Clemson has inspired me to take advantage of the time I am given.
I am the person I am today because of this University and the Powers College of Business, and I will be eternally grateful for this place and the family it was to my sister and me during our hardest moments. I will always cherish the memories of my freshman year in Manning, all of the amazing professors and mentors I’ve had the pleasure of learning from and the community that is Clemson.
As I begin my senior year and look towards graduation in May, I am beyond excited to see what else Clemson has in store for me. I know that this final year will be just as fulfilling as my previous experiences, and I will savor every moment I have. Clemson has prepared me so incredibly for my future, and I can’t wait to see where I go and who I get to share Clemson with.
There are two things I know for sure that I’ll carry with me forever: I was meant to be a Tiger, and Clemson will always be home.
