Laura JagGuide

Hey baby Jags! The fall semester has officially come to a close at the University of South Alabama, and as I reflect on the past 4 months I realize how thankful I am to be surrounded by people who motivate me to be my best self and encourage me when I am at my breaking point.  First and foremost, my family has stayed by my side every step of the way. They constantly assure me that they are proud of me and that I am more than capable of being successful. Through every breakdown and phone call at 10 pm crying because I am overwhelmed, they remind me that the first step to getting back on my feet is getting on my knees. They pray for me and love me through everything, and I am so grateful for the motivation they give me.  The friends I surround myself with in Mobile are also a constant source of encouragement. Whether it be my sorority sisters letting me know they're praying for me before a big test, my roommate cleaning the apartment because she knows I'm stressed, or my b...

Hey baby Jags! Getting involved on campus is so important to getting fulfillment out of your college experience. Coming from a mid-sized high school where I was extremely involved in almost every club and organization we had to offer, I knew coming to South I wanted to keep that same energy and try to make a difference on campus. Joining Greek life was one of the easiest and most fulfilling ways I was able to get involved. Being able to participate in other sorority and fraternity philanthropy events, the outside community service you could do with your sisters, and our personal philanthropies allowed me to start giving back to South and the Mobile community as a whole within weeks of moving on to campus.  I also joined a few honors societies and a Pre-Physical Therapy club in order to meet other students who were dealing with the same curriculum and had the same ultimate goals that I did. We have an abundance of clubs on campus that are waiting for eager freshman to come...

As the holiday season approaches, specifically Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on all I have to be thankful for. Coming to the University of South Alabama and becoming a part of this family has been a blessing from the beginning. As a student at South Alabama I am most thankful for the professors and advisers that have helped me and influenced me along the way. All of my professors throughout my semesters here have been invested in my education and success. I have never felt like a number on this campus. I have been able to make connections with professors who would be sure to call on me by name and follow my progress to make sure I was on track to success. I had professors who personally e-mailed me and encouraged me to stay focused and continue to thrive while offering me letters of recommendation for scholarships if I ever needed them. I feel so fortunate to attend a campus where I am truly apart of a family. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the Unive...

Moving away from home to a campus where I did not know anyone was difficult, but joining Greek Life at South Alabama was one of the best decisions I have made. During my freshman year, I went through formal recruitment and joined Kappa Delta Sorority. I found a home away from home and a family in over 100 girls who support me, uplift me, encourage me, and pray for me daily. Being in KD has changed me in the most positive ways. I was able to find a group of wholesome, genuine girls to surround myself with and I was able to get more involved in the community. We work with the Girl Scouts of the USA as well as Prevent Child Abuse America. Locally, we work with the Penelope House which provides safety, support, and protection to women and children dealing with domestic violence. We are also committed to building confidence in women and girls. Spreading confidence throughout our chapter as well as across our campus inspires me to build more confidence within myself and be an example to ...

Hey baby Jags! You are all almost through the first semester of your senior year and trust me, things are just going to continue to become more overwhelming as time marches on. The end of high school can be stressful, but it is also extremely exciting getting to close one chapter and start a new one. There were a few things I did personally to help me prepare for my transition to college and they definitely decreased my stress levels. First, TOUR CAMPUSES. If you are unsure about where you want to attend or you're stuck between two colleges, go visit each one. When I walked on the campus of South Alabama all of my doubts were erased and I felt at home automatically. Trust me, when you know you just know. Second, SCHOLARSHIPS. My entire second semester of my senior year was dedicated to finding and applying for scholarships. There are many scholarships throughout your community that you probably don't even know about. Go to your guidance counselor and they can help le...

Hey baby Jags! Getting used to being in college and on your own is rough. Let's be real, we basically all have to ball on a budget out here. The good thing is that South Alabama and companies throughout Mobile offer perks just for being a Jag. All you have to do is flash your JagCard and you get discounts on discounts on discounts. My favorite perk is our discount movie tickets at AMC Theaters. All you have to do is visit the Jag Productions window in the student center and you can receive a $5 movie ticket. I love going to the movies but usually my money is spread thin from check to check, so being able to go to the movies for a discounted price is extremely beneficial for me. I also love that you can get discounts at many of the nail shops near campus. On select days, multiple nail shops offer you discounts on mani/pedi's, eyebrow waxing and more. Ladies, you know you have to stay slaying around campus. Gentleman, you know your feet probably need a good scrub every ...

Hey baby Jags! It's the most wonderful time of the year: Homecoming at USA! The week may almost be over but I feel like it's just getting started.  I'm looking forward to Friday and Saturday the most. Friday we will be having our homecoming parade through campus then our pep rally on the Mitch steps. One of my sorority sisters is on the Homecoming Court so we are all looking forward to going to support her in the parade. After the pep rally, I'll be going to the NPHC Step Show. This is one of my favorite events to attend every year because I have absolutely no rhythm so I love to watch people that do. It's always a lituation.  Saturday we will be taking on Louisiana-Monroe at 4 o'clock at Ladd. I can't wait to cheer on the Jags and I'm hoping for a huge crowd to support our football team after their win over Troy.  I can't wait for you all to experience your first college homecoming.  Love & light xx Laura

Hey there Baby Jags! It's another week and another opportunity to be great. I've been waiting for this week to come since the semester started.  Not only is it Fall Break, but it is finally BATTLE FOR THE BELT. Being a native of Troy, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Football season is exciting regardless but getting to see the team you grew up watching playing the team you now call your own makes it even better. I'll be traveling home tomorrow to start my fall break watching South win (DUH) then spending time with my family and friends. Last year, Troy traveled to Mobile and ended up beating us so you know we have to come back even harder and bring the belt back to South. I hope all of you catch the game on ESPN2 and cheer on the Jags from wherever you may be. J's Up! Love & light xx Laura JagGuide

Hey baby Jags! This semester has gotten off to a great start for me. I hope all of you are enjoying your senior year and making the most of every moment. I'm taking 17 hours this semester, so I have a wide variety of courses in different fields making it hard to choose a favorite. I would say my favorite course so far this semester would be my intro to political science course. My academic adviser encouraged me to take this course in case I one day wanted to achieve my Masters in Public Administration. Being a health sciences major with a Pre-Physical Therapy track, I had taken no humanities classes relating to government or politics since high school. I have learned so much about how our government works, and been able to hear differing opinions from people of many different cultures regarding politics in America. As a matter of fact, I'm about to head to my PoliSci class right now for another 2 and 1/2 hours of knowledge!  Love & light xx Laura Jag Guide

Hey there Baby Jags! It's another school year and another opportunity to get to know all of you lovely people. My name is Laura and I am originally from Troy, AL. Most of my friends and family call me Lala or Dobby, but some of the Jag Guides call me Tic Tac (long story, funny story). I lived in the same home there my entire life before moving to Mobile for college. Coming from a small town took some getting used to, but I absolutely love the city and how much it continues to grow daily.  I am a Junior at South Alabama majoring in Professional Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Management. I'm Pre-Physical Therapy and hoping to attend the doctoral program at South after achieving my Bachelor's Degree. Eventually I want to work at Children's Hospital in the Physical Therapy department. I'm a member of a Phi Eta Sigma and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I am also a member of Kappa Delta Sorority which gives me so many opportun...

Hey baby Jags! The semester is finally over and I made it out alive (barely). As I reflect on this past semester, I noticed that my schedule was full of classes geared towards my major in the medical field. My favorite class this semester was First Aid & CPR. Even though we met at 8 AM Monday mornings, being able to interact and learn life saving skills was very interesting to me. Luckily, I was able to get certified in both First Aid and CPR. We were able to practice on interactive simulators as well as use defibrillators that spoke to us letting us know when we were going through the process correctly. We spoke about both adult and child CPR which made me feel like I would be prepared enough to help people in need if I ever came upon an emergency situation.  I know that in my future career being certified in these fields will be very beneficial which had an impact on how much I enjoyed taking this course. Plus, I thought about the CPR scene from The Office the entire ti...

Hey baby Jags! It's a beautiful Sunday here in the Port City, and I'm #backatitagain with some survival tips. We were asked to write about how to survive on a college budget this week. My first instinct was "you don't." Bur I will give you a few tips that have kept me afloat during my college struggle.  1) Budget wisely. No seriously, I know this may make me sound like a middle-aged soccer mom but BUDGET YOUR MONEY. Make a plan. Write out how much money you have to spend each month. Know the things that are completely necessary (gas, groceries, etc.) and see how much money you have left for entertainment purposes. You may have to have sleep for dinner a few nights to be able to go out with your friends on Thursday. It's all about balance, people.  2) Utilize your student status. Many companies and restaurants give student discounts. Use them to your advantage. You have to struggle through college, you might as well reap the benefits while you're at...

Hey there baby Jags! We're at the end of another work week and slowly approaching finals and I see many mental breakdowns in my future. No worries though, I won't fold under pressure. College is hard, especially being away from home. The motivation I receive daily from my family is what keeps me going. My parents have motivated me since day one in everything I do. Often times I get overwhelmed, and their reassurance that I am making them proud helps me keep going. I don't know where I would be without them. My mom is my best friend and my dad is my entire world. The example they've set for me has encouraged me to be successful through all of my ventures and pushed me through the hardest times I've faced. I owe them everything.  My brother motivates me just as much as my parents. We often joke that I got the brains in the family and he got the personality, but he is so intelligent and such a good role model for me. It's a blessing to have a brot...

Hey there, baby Jags! If I had one word to describe student life here at South, it would be diverse. I know, I know.. cliché. But seriously, there is something for EVERYONE. We have more than 200 student-led clubs with a variety of focuses. Greek life, professional organizations, service organizations, and academic clubs are in abundance on our campus. Even if there is something that you are really passionate about that we don't have a club for already, you can make one! You can't forget about intramurals either. There is at least one intramural season going on all the time, so maybe if you had Division 1 dreams but didn't make the roster you can shine on everyone in the rec or on the football fields. Whatever may interest you, you will find your niche when you get on campus. Just keep an open mind and break out of your comfort zone. Get involved and your college experience will be 10x better. Love & light xx Laura

Hey baby Jags! It's a rainy day here in Mobile, AL but I'm coming at you live with my absolute favorite movie. For my 10th birthday, me and all my friends crowded into the theater to sing along to all of the tracks from "Hairspray," and still today every time I take a road trip you can catch me belting out the songs with overly enthusiastic hand motions and terrible high notes. I've always loved musicals, and the thing I loved most about Hairspray is that it found a way to talk about social issues too. The characters dealt with criticism from society as well as issues with their families. They were dealing with racism during the time where schools and other public places were beginning to integrate, and you got to see how each side dealt with everything that was thrown at them. Also, the main character Tracy didn't exactly fit the norm of what would be seen on TV in that day in age, and we got to see her break those barriers and become extremely p...

Hey baby Jags! I'm coming at you live with a few #collegehacks that can make your life easier as you transition into the scary world of adulthood: 1) $5 Friday's at Smoothie King: Smoothie King is close to campus and it's always scorching hot here, so this is an A1 deal for a broke college student. 2) Set multiple alarms. No seriously. I have 5 alarms set for every morning. Won't catch me missing class. 3) Get a stick-on pocket for the back of your phone. You'll never have to worry about losing your Jag Card or your ID downtown! 4) Use Chegg! You won't catch me paying $500 for a book.     5) TREAT YO SELF! You are going to get overwhelmed and you will lie in your twin XL bed contemplating life and cry. Go out with your friends, go to the mall, get your nails done. You deserve it, you hard working college student you! Love & light xx Laura

Hey Baby Jags! I honestly cannot believe it is time for Spring Break already. That means I'm half way through my 6th semester at South. Time is really flying! I know for you guys this means it's almost time to graduate high school and I can only imagine the excitement you all are feeling. For Spring Break I'll be spending every day bumming it up on the beach. I'll be going to Orange Beach, which is only about an hour and a half or so from Mobile (another perk of being a South Alabama student!). Messy hair, no makeup, and swimsuits will be my attire for the next 8 days. I am so ready to get TAN. I'm extremely thankful that Spring Break came so quickly because let's be real, I need a break. Waking up for class every morning has me exhausted and I can't wait to sleep in every day and have no worries about studying or homework. If you have already had Spring Break, I hope you enjoyed your last one as a high school student. If your Spring Break is comin...

Hey baby Jags! Spring has finally sprung down in Mobile, AL and the weather is absolutely beautiful. Honestly, I feel like we only had 5 days of winter, but I am not complaining AT ALL. The warm weather makes walking across campus at 8 AM for physics slightly more bearable. As a campus, we have numerous activities throughout the Spring that makes second semester even more fun that the first. Jag Productions puts on great events (Jeremih concert, YEET!), baseball and softball seasons begin, and intramural basketball and water polo are in full swing. Personally, my favorite event during the Spring would be my sororities philanthropy event, Bubble Soccer. We gather around 60 teams and head to the intramural fields for a day long tournament with music, face painting, and good food. All of the other sororities and fraternities participate as well as the majority of the clubs on campus. We even have people from other universities come spend the day with us. There is definitely so...

Hey Baby Jags! You're all coming to the end of the road and getting ready to close a large chapter of your life. You may be excited, you may be nervous.. I must admit, I was a little of both. There are a few things you can do to help you prepare for your transition to college. These things definitely helped me be comfortable as I left home and started the next chapter of my academic career. First of all, SCHOLARSHIPS. My entire last semester was devoted to finding scholarships in my community and surrounding areas that I could apply for. College is expensive, as we all know. Many students do not realize how much money is available to them if they just search. Your guidance counselor at your high school should be able to lead you in the right direction if you aren't sure where to start and I would also suggest searching online for scholarship possibilities. Most are simple applications with short essays to accompany them and most people are not aware of many of the scholars...

Hey future Jags! One of the most important resources to me as a student at South Alabama has definitely been the student health center. Since I am not from Mobile and didn't have a doctor down here, being able to walk into the health center and have the nurses treat me as if I was one of their own was extremely comforting. Especially during my freshman year when I was adjusting to the Mobile weather, I seemed to keep a cold. Luckily, I could always rely on the student health center to have me feeling as good as new ( and get me excused from my classes, score! ). I can't wait to see what resources and offices you all find beneficial when you join the Jag family. There are so many people waiting and willing to help all of the students on campus and that is what makes South Alabama feel like home . Go Jags :)

Hey everyone!  My name is Laura Dobson and I am a new JagGuide here at South Alabama. I'm a sophomore from Troy, AL majoring in professional health sciences with a concentration in health management. My hopes are to continue my education in the Physical Therapy program here at the University of South Alabama after achieving my Bachelor's Degree. I just can't get enough of this beautiful campus and the wonderful people. I am involved in multiple clubs and honors societies on campus which keep me busy and help me meet a wide variety of students. I am also involved in Greek life and love all of the opportunities for service that are offered to me through my sorority. When I'm not at work or in the books, I love going to the beach, watching Netflix (just finished the entire series of Friends, I cried) and napping. I can't wait to interact with and get to know all of you! Go Jags!!