Nilmary Padilla, a psychology graduate from the University of Mississippi, shared her experiences and future plans in a story released on May 4 as part of the university’s Journey to Commencement series. The series highlights students’ academic and personal achievements as they transition from college to graduation.
Padilla arrived at the university as a first-time visitor to Mississippi, initially considering transferring back to Texas after her freshman year. She said that support from people around her influenced her decision to stay. “My freshman year, I had decided that I wanted to transfer back to Texas. I did not end up making that decision because of the support I received from these ladies, who showed me that I could find my place here in Oxford,” Padilla said.
During her time at Ole Miss, Padilla became a Provost Scholar and built an academic record that led to acceptance into one of the country’s competitive audiology doctoral programs. She added a minor in American Sign Language interpreting and served as an officer in the American Sign Language Honors Society. In addition, she participated in activities such as attending the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention through a Study USA trip. “Last semester, I was able to participate in a Study USA trip to Washington, D.C., where I attended the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. I had so much fun, I learned so many new things and I made friends I never would have made if I had not gone,” she said.
Padilla credited Victoria Hughes and Niki Witt from the Provost’s Office for their mentorship during her studies: “My most influential mentors and supporters have been the ladies I work with day in and day out in the Provost’s Office. Victoria Hughes, executive assistant, and Niki Witt, executive assistant, have taken me under their wings and made so many things possible for me.”
After graduation this May, Padilla plans to attend Texas Tech University for a Doctorate of Audiology with hopes of becoming a pediatric audiologist. She reflected on her experience by saying: “I came to Ole Miss for an education, and I am leaving with a home.”
