Jillian

What's your educational background?

University of Oklahoma
Major: Public Relations
Minor: Non-Profit Management
Class of 2021

As a student, where did you leave your mark on campus?

I love to be involved and being able to love on others. I was in PCS (President's Community Scholars) my freshman year and it was a blast. I was also super involved in Crossover and Younglife, which are both student ministry organizations at OU, as well as being involved in Greek Life. I love being in community and loving on people, so I think the communities I was apart of are where I made my biggest impact.

Define the OU family in your own words.

I am the definition of "Sooner Born, Sooner Bred". I was born and raised right here in Norman, so I have always felt the sense of love and family from OU, and even more so coming here for school. The people and community that surround me at OU are unmatched. It is a sense of home and safety always. They'll be with you in the highest highs and lowest lows. They'll meet you where you're at and push you to places you never dreamed you could go.

When was the moment you felt the greatest Sooner pride?

The six in a row Big XII Football Championship wins are my obvious answer... those games are a blast and it always feels good to be as Sooner those days. Beyond that was OU Commencement and Graduation weekend. It is the last big hoorah for the graduates. Campus carries such a distinct feeling that weekend unlike any other. All of the seniors feel nostalgic of their last few days in the place they love. All of their friends by their side one last time and all of their family there to congratulate their amazing accomplishments. I remember that weekend just stopping several times to take everything in: the pride of having finished at such an amazing university, all of the ups and downs, my friends all in our favorite place one last time, all of our families their to support and cheer us on, and the proud moment of moving my tassel and saying I was an alumni of the greatest university in the land, and my dream school!

What was the greatest gift you took with you after graduation?

For me, it was all of the amazing people I met and the wonderful memories I made. OU truly has the greatest communities. I will forever look back at this time with gratitude. OU gave me the best friends I could've asked for and I will always hold the times I shared with them here so dearly.

Reveal one secret about campus.

The stadium is open most days! It's fun to take a walk around campus and then go to the top of the stadium and watch the sunset! One time my friends and I had a picnic on the 50 yard line and I still don't know how we didn't get in trouble for it!

What is your favorite OU tradition?

Singing the fight song before every football game with everyone's one's up in the air. It never gets old. Especially once you're an alumni, a whole new sense of pride comes with it!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Enjoy it! They say high school moves fast and that is so true, but your four years in college go even faster. Make sure to stop and take the moments in. This is one of the most fun times in life! Go where it feels like home to you! It will all work out. Boomer!