What a journey this has been!
As Emily approached the end of her high school junior year, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted out of her college experience, beyond a few non-negotiables: a deep sense of community, an infectious school spirit, and a place that felt like home.
In June 2021, we decided it was time to find out. Rachel, Emily, Chase, and I packed up the car and embarked on an epic college tour road trip. We mapped out stops at several emerging top choices, including the University of Delaware, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Mississippi.
Now, Delaware and Tennessee certainly had their perks—including a nearby Duck Donuts, which is always a tough selling point to beat! But the moment we drove onto the campus of Ole Miss, we knew in our guts that she had found her place. The stunning design and sheer beauty of the campus felt like a southern, sun-drenched version of a charming New England town.
From Acceptance Letters to the Big Decision
By the time Emily's high school senior year rolled around, the acceptance letters were plentiful. She had options close to home and far away, adding the Universities of Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island to an already impressive list.
Ultimately, the final decision came down to a classic head-versus-heart showdown between Delaware and Mississippi. While Delaware offered an incredibly tempting study abroad program, Ole Miss’s undeniable charm—coupled with it being the financially smarter choice—won the day.
Looking back, it is funny how things work out. She may have chosen Mississippi over Delaware's travel program, but you can't clip the wings of a natural explorer.
Watching a World Traveler Take Flight
Over these last four years, we have had the absolute privilege of watching Emily transform. She didn't just attend college; she threw herself into the world, transforming into a true global traveler willing to push herself far beyond her comfort zone to grow, learn, and experience life.
From the historic campus of Oxford to the cobblestone streets of Denmark, she has immersed herself in different cultures and embraced countless new experiences. Those opportunities have shaped her into the incredibly well-rounded, independent, and confident young woman she is today.
To Emily: Your pathway into the future still remains a bit of a mystery, but there is absolutely no doubt that you will make a profound impact on the world around you. We are so incredibly proud of you!
Behind the Lens: The Gallery
Below are a few favorite captures from Emily's senior session, celebrating the end of a beautiful chapter and the exciting beginning of the next.
