The Life of a Tiger

Essay by Teneshia Arnold (LHS Class of '07; U of M Class of '11)

“Dreamers. Thinkers. Doers.” This is the motto that the University of Memphis’s faculty, staff, and students hold close to their hearts. Here at the University of Memphis, school-spirit is definitely present on our campus, and I am proud to say that I am a part of this great university.


Dreamers
During my freshman and sophomore years at LHS, I always dreamed of attending the University of Memphis. With being alert and steadfast about the admission process and deadlines, I was able to make my dream a reality. On several occasions, I am asked why I chose to attend the University of Memphis. I chose to attend the university for simple reasons. First, The University of Memphis offered me great scholarships and other assistance to help fund my schooling 100%. Second, Memphis had the exact major that I wished to pursue which also came with additional scholarships to help fund college. Third, with being from the small town of Lexington, it can get a little scary when thinking about a bigger world outside of such a small town.  When doing my college search, it was essential that I find a college or university that allowed me to feel that “home-like” feeling. I felt that at Memphis. Being in the city of Memphis has been rewarding for me. I have been exposed to different cultures and ways of life.


Thinkers
Once I was admitted into college, it was time for me to start thinking about my future. Ms. Nancy Bendure and Mrs. Shirley Wallace were very beneficial to my academic success at LHS, and helped prepare me for the University of Memphis. Memphis takes pride in the array of academic programs that they offer to students. With a wide range of majors, minors, and concentrations to choose from, you are bound for success. If there is a major that you wish to study, but find out that the university does not offer it, you can even create your own major through our University College.


We take academics very seriously here at the U of M. Even with a population of nearly 22,000 students, our classroom sizes are still able to stay small. We have a student to teacher ratio of 17 to 1.


Another great academic program here at the University of Memphis that is helpful to the academic success of students is the Study Abroad Program. These programs allow students the opportunity to study abroad while receiving academic credit hours towards their major. We are connected with over 49 different countries. Examples of popular locations are Costa Rica, China, Italy, and Africa.  


Doers
After you dream about attending the U of M, and you begin to think about all of the academic possibilities that are available for you once you arrive, it is then time to actually DO something. The University of Memphis has over 170 different organizations present on campus for students to get involved. These great organizations range from SAC, Student Government Association, Greek Life, Multicultural Affairs, religious organizations, etc. You can also create your own organization if there is something new you want to implement on campus.


If any of these organizations or activities are not exciting for you, then you can enjoy FREE concerts and plays on campus provided through our Music and Theatre departments. We are also fortunate to have an Art Museum present on our campus which is the home of a partially wrapped mummy, 4, 000 year old piece of bread, and a cooked goose. You will never be bored here at the University of Memphis.


At the University of Memphis, I am the proud president of the collegiate chapter of NAACP. This is a great organization that I encourage everyone to be a part of while in college and even afterwards. With being a small town girl and a minority here on campus, I wanted to find a place and/or organization that made me feel comfortable and that assisted me in my growth throughout my collegiate career. Upon joining the NAACP, I was able to develop better leadership and communication skills which have enabled me to develop great connections in the community and with the Memphis Chapter of NAACP.


Another great opportunity here at Memphis that is considered a tradition now is FROSH CAMP. It was started in 1994 at a campground in Pleasantville, TN. Incoming freshmen are taken to Camp NaCome in the wilderness with no cell phone reception for an entire week. During this week, they are surrounded by classmates and upperclassmen to learn all of the University of Memphis traditions prior to school starting.


There are so many great opportunities available here at the University of Memphis. I strongly encourage students to come for a campus visit. To sign up for a campus tour, just contact the Recruitment and Orientation Office and ask to speak with our tour coordinator, Lisa Hoehn.

In the words of my fellow Tigers, “Go Blue, Go Gray, Go Tigers!!!”


Questions for Further Writing:
What is the biggest draw of the University of Memphis for you?  

What classes have you taken here at LHS that prepared you for college? Why?

What are you looking for in a college? What should constitute a good "sales pitch" on behalf of a university?