Burnett: I’ve always loved oxford because it’s a small town and everyone knows everyone. But being a student here is way different but in a good way. I always told myself I wasn’t going to school here but being a student here is a different life than just living here. Houghton: I view Oxford as my home, since I am from Oxford. Now I view Oxford the same except I have learned a lot more about the culture of Ole Miss, since I have been apart of the team. I think I’ll stay in Oxford for a little while since it’s my home, but I do believe I will eventually venture off and experience new places once I begin to get my life figured out.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE TOWN VIEWS YOU?
James Burnett Sport: Track & Field Position: Sprints Class: Junior Major: General Studies
Houghton: I think the town views me as hope for future athletes of Oxford. Before me and my sister, no one had gone D1 for soccer, so I believe it motivates other little athletes that they can do anything they set their mind to. Jones: I don’t necessarily think the town views me any differently. I think the tennis community was very excited to see a local come to Ole Miss. Kessinger: In high school, with my family being here, I feel like my last name is known in the city, just with as many Kessingers that are here, but I feel like since I’ve been at Ole Miss coming from the athletic side, as Grae Kessinger, I have made more of my own name than just Kessinger. Which it’s a blessing to be a part of something so special with my family and their legacy, but to be able to be here writing my own chapter is really neat and something most people don’t get to experience, so I’m thankful.
ARE OXFORD AND OLE MISS THE SAME OR DIFFERENT?
Jones: I view the town of Oxford and the school, Ole Miss, as two separate things, but they are uniquely connected. This makes Ole Miss so much more special than many other universities. Burnett: I think the town and university are one-in-the-same. Both on campus and in the town, you get the same at-home feeling and great hospitality. I think Oxford/Ole Miss does a great job of that. Kessinger: Living in Oxford and not going to school here is definitely different than going to school and living here, but the culture that Ole Miss brings to Oxford I feel like no matter who you are, you can feel that when you’re living here Houghton: I view Oxford and Ole Miss as very different. Before I came to school here, I did not really understand Ole Miss’ culture, but Ole Miss feels like its own town inside a town.
COMING BACK TO OXFORD?
Grace Anne Jones Sport: Tennis Class: Freshman Major: Accounting
50 Circle & Square
Kessinger: I definitely think one day when I’m done playing baseball, this is the town I want to be in. For all the reasons anyone else goes to school here and lives here. The culture is great, people are great and the food is great. It’s just home. Houghton: I think I’ll stay in Oxford for a little while since it’s my home, but I do believe I will eventually venture off and experience new places once I begin to get my life figured out. Jones: I am sure I will come back to Oxford, especially if my family still lives here, but I do want to start my career in a bigger city. My major is accounting. Burnett: After growing up here and now attending college here, I think I’m finally ready to venture out after I graduate and settle down elsewhere. But I’ll always come back.