Madeliene Cruse

Why did you decide to come to MSU and pursue a degree in education?

Mississippi State University has always felt like a home to me, whether it be the countless relatives who are alumni of the college or the fantastic environment and community. From about the age of 11, MSU has always been my first choice. A degree in education did not come until about 14, but even then, I was interested in going to state to pursue teaching. As the daughter of two people in the Education profession, the importance of education was never second guessed; education was always a top priority. Throughout high school, I was always that kid that helped my other classmates in classes where others might not quite understand what was going on. I loved watching the realization strike my peers' faces when their 'light bulb' went off. That's when I knew that pursuing a degree in Education was right for me.

What do you want people to know about you?

I used to be the drum captain for my high school's band, so teaching others difficult topics and dealing with all different types of people is not out of the ordinary for me. 

What advice would you give to entering freshmen or students finishing up high school?

Make time for yourself to live a little and not be so caught up in your shool work. If you never learn how to have fun now and be a teen while you can, you won't have amazing stories to tell your future kids and their kids. Take school seriously though and find your happy medium.