By Jaylin R. Smith, MA in Journalism

“I believe I have a calling to be here,” Grove Scholar Trynica Wash said.

A first-generation college student from Newton, Mississippi, Wash is a senior majoring in Allied Health and minoring in African American studies. With aspirations to become a pediatric nurse, Wash wants to provide medical resources to children in underserved communities.

Attending the University of Mississippi was an easy choice for Wash. She said she was drawn to the institution by the beautiful scenery and the plentiful resources. Though Wash said she was originally anxious about coming to the university because it has struggled with race-related issues over the years , she said she found a home in groups and organizations like Mortar Board, FASTrack, MOST and Grove Scholars. These programs helped mold Wash’s academic and social experience at the university.

Being a Grove Scholar has allowed Wash to be a role model for other students that want to attend the University of Mississippi.

“It gives me joy seeing students like me, look up to me,” she said.

In addition to her nursing courses, Wash’s minor in African American studies has helped her nurture an interest first sparked by her experience in high school debate. She won an award for her discourse on the ideological differences between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, which focused on the concept of educational emergence.

“I want to use education to stand out rather than fit in,” said Wash.

Through the community of her cohort, the devotion of mentors and the academic resources in the program, Wash said Grove Scholars works to ensure her success throughout the entire college experience. She said her story is evidence that the University of Mississippi is working diligently to create equitable opportunities for students that have been historically marginalized.

As Wash looks forward to graduating this May, she is awaiting her acceptance into the South Oxford Center Nursing School.