Family Friends

The Family Friends team serves a key role in the facilitation of ongoing programmatic efforts for Parent and Family Programs. In this leadership position, students assist current and prospective parents and family members as they become part of the Golden Eagle family.

Meet the 2020-21 members!

	Anastasija Cobanovic Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia Major: Psychology Minor: Sociology What does family mean to you? "Family is the most important thing in my life. Family gives love, hope, sureness, support, and all other positive feelings. Family gives us these feelings unconditionally and with all the heart. Family was always important to me, but coming to the United States opened my eyes even more. Every single day I think about my family and hope to be with them soon. It is a pure and honest love, which will always last."
	Baylie Busby Hometown: Mobile, AL Major: Accounting What advice would you give to a parent or family member regarding their student's transition to college? "I am so close to my family and we all thought the transition was going to be difficult when I moved away from home. Do not get me wrong, it was hard to be away from those that I love, but we quickly found that there were ways to stay connected! If you are able to Facetime, it is the best alternative to actually seeing your student in person. Through my first year, I was constantly video chatting with my family to update them on all the amazing memories I was making! As well, Southern Miss is one big family and you can rest assured that your student has people looking out for them and wanting them to succeed."
	Callie Mathews Hometown: Abita Springs, LA Major: Exercise Science What is your favorite place on campus? "My favorite place is outside of Scianna Hall because those big yellow chairs are so comfortable and it has a great view of the rock while you are relaxing or studying!"
	Elexis Ollie Hometown: Madison, MS Major: Biological Sciences What does family mean to you? "Family means having someone who loves and respects you no matter your flaws. Family is always there in a time of need, and they strive to see you succeed. The love from a family is truly unconditional."
	Elizabeth Jones Hometown: Port Neches, TX Major: Management Minor: Public Relations What is your favorite place on campus? "My favorite place on campus is the library! It is great for studying with friends or by yourself. It is also a place to make great memories anytime of the day."
	Jarred Mosley Hometown: Mobile, AL Major: Kinesiology (Exercise Science) What does family mean to you? "Family means being there for the people you love and them being there for you. Through family, we have compassion and companionship. Family is just the best! What really matters in life is having a few people you can call your family. Those are the amazing people that you grow with."
	Klaria Holmes Hometown: Oxford, MS Major: Psychology Minor: Black Studies What is your favorite place on campus? "My favorite place on campus is the fourth floor lounge of Vann Hall. I have spent many, many, many nights and early mornings there with my friends studying and having fun. It was the first place on campus that made me feel like I had made the best decision by coming to USM, and it will always have a special place in my heart."
	Mariah St. Clair Hometown: Olive Branch, MS Major: Psychology What does family mean to you? "Family means being surrounded by people that love and support you unconditionally. College can be difficult, so your student will need you to be there for them as their support system."
	Mary Parker Raley Hometown: Madison, MS Major: Psychology Minor: Music What does family mean to you? "Family goes way past blood. It is the people who have continually shown that they care, will hold you accountable, and love you unconditionally. I have found a wonderful family here at USM and I would not trade them for the world."
	Molly Cash Hometown: Saltillo, MS Major: Nutrition and Dietetics Minor: Psychology What advice would you give to a parent or family member regarding their student's transition to college? "I encourage parents and family members to encourage their student to believe in who they are. Although there may be a large number of students on the Southern Miss campus, every single student has their own gifts to offer to this university. Once a student is confident in their worth and abilities, the impact they will make on the lives and organizations around them will be inspiring."
	Tamra Moore Hometown: Porterville, MS Major: Nursing Minor: Psychology What is your favorite place on campus? "My favorite place on campus is probably Seymour’s. It is the perfect mixture of food and interaction among students and friends."

 

I'd like to be a member of Family Friends! Where do I sign up?

Family Friends (FFs) are volunteer student leaders in The Center for Student Success who serve and assist Southern Miss parents and families throughout the year. FFs receive opportunities to build their leadership skills, work with other student leaders and professionals from across campus and develop professionally, all while having fun and meeting families from around the world. FFs are selected through an application process in the spring semester, attend trainings, and serve as a member of Family Friends for the following academic year.