Hello! I'm Mia, I'm from a very small town in WV and had to navigate the whole college experience based off of little experiences and opportunities. I'm a marine science major with a minor in biology who's still trying to figure out exactly what I want my future to look like, but I do know it will include helping animals in any way shape or form. You will usually find me outside, studying with my friends, or at the beach trying to soak up the last moments of summer before winter comes. I love being able to be a support for people, so I look forward to being able to help potential future students find their perfect college whether it's at Coastal or somewhere else!

Hometown

Buckhannon WV

Major(s)

Marine Science

Minor(s)

Biology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Aqua League (scuba club), undergrad research on fiddler crabs, LoveBlue (beach cleanup), Surf Club, club gymnastics

Describe your college experience

Coming from a small-town, going to Coastal Carolina was a big transition, but the number of opportunities, connections, and life lessons I've gained from Coastal have made it all worth it. My professors are so caring, and I can go to them about anything, the class sizes aren't super big and that's how you get to build real connections with the students and professors. Everyone at Coastal is so kind, the school really does have a sense of unity, and I've never felt excluded or that I didn't belong while on campus. Coastal has given me best friends, a way to step out of my comfort zone, and endless memories and opportunities that I'll cherish for a lifetime.

Tip for future students

I wish I knew that college would have a lot of ups and downs. In high school I had a very set routine that never really changed, coming to college you will have some weeks with no work, and some weeks with 3-4 exams and you just have to learn to be super flexible. I remember the first time I got a bad grade, and I thought it was the end of the world, but there are so many opportunities to bring up bad grades, and I can't stress enough to utilize office hours, it really does pay off. Besides the workload, college also has ups and downs of emotions, some days I want to change my major and start all over because I'm so frustrated, and other days I couldn't imagine myself pursuing any other career. It's a trust the process experience, but just always remember that there are so many people are you that are there to help!

Favorite class

Biology of Sea Turtles, I got to complete the class in Costa Rica and get hands-on experience with great professors! I also learned so much in such a short amount of time, and I have been able to apply it to my studies.

Career goals

I hope to either work in an animal care facility most likely with sea turtles, but I'm open to working with any marine animal, somewhere along the East coast. I've also considered going back home to WV and pursuing my masters in fisheries and wildlife so that I could do research on bobcats and fish in WV! The bottom line is a want any profession where I will be taking care of animals!

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal night consists of going to my favorite restaurant, usually Olive Garden, and either turning on a new documentary with my friends if we want to stay in and going for a night swim. If my friends are in the mood to go out, we like to have everyone over and be able to talk to everyone and see familiar faces!

High school or secondary school

Buckhannon Upshur High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is Prince Lawn; it's the main area of campus so you're constantly running into your friends. Everyone is either in hammocks or utilizing the picnic tables under the trees. Theres so much wildlife and it's super close to all the class buildings so it's the perfect place to hang out in between classes!