By Courtney Cleveland

Features Editor

Erika Coleman is a senior anthropology and pre-med double major from Ocean Springs, MS. In her free time, she likes to make music, lift weights, and pet dogs. Napping is also high on her list of pastimes.

The Purple and White: What made you come to Millsaps?

Erika Coleman: I visited Millsaps because I have family members who graduated from here who loved their experience, and I knew it boasted a top-notch pre-health program. I stayed because, as soon as I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home.

P&W: What has been your favorite memory on campus?

EC: I’m not sure I have a favorite, but one amazing one was Dr. Tim Coker’s last Singers concert before he retired. All of his former students came back to Millsaps from around the world to sing with us, and it was so emotionally-charged. It was a great musical experience.

P&W: How has Millsaps shaped you for the outside world?

EC: The experiences I’ve had at Millsaps have led me to be both securely grounded in my personal ideology and able to understand and communicate with those who think differently. No matter the situation, that will be an important skill to have, I think.

P&W: Tell me something embarrassing about yourself.

EC: My dentist recently told me I floss too much.

P&W: What do you plan on doing after graduation?

EC: I will be moving to Durham, NC to work in the healthcare field for a year, then continuing on to medical school starting in 2018.

P&W: What piece of advice would you like to leave behind for an incoming freshman?

EC: You’d think that as a senior, I’d have a wealth of advice to give, but the longer I’ve been here, the more I’ve seen the value of being curious, asking questions, and admitting that I don’t have all the answers…or any answers, really. But, if I must… go hang out in the Bowl with your friends as often as possible. Only in college will you be this close to all your best friends at the same time! Take advantage of that.

P&W: How do you think people will remember you on campus?

EC: I can’t even begin to speculate on that. But I hope that when people think of me, they’ll remember a time when I made them smile.

P&W: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

EC: Right now, I desperately want to go to some remote beach location, where it’s just me and a dozen good books. I haven’t been able to read for pleasure a lot this semester, so that’s what I’ll be up to after graduation! First will be The Power of Babel by John McWhorter.

P&W: What could you binge watch for hours and not get tired of?

EC: The Office never fails to make me belly laugh.

P&W: Describe yourself in three words.

EC: Rule breaker.

The Purple and White thanks Erika for answering these questions! If you or someone you know would like to be featured in the next “Meet the Millsapian” article, you can contact me at clevecd@millsaps.edu.