Where were you born?
Laurel, Miss.
Do you have any siblings? If so, what are their names and how old are they?
Natalea, 25. Dean, 19.
Where did you go to high school?
Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities in high school? If so, which ones?
Yes, I was heavily involved with the theater department and the theater club; it was a part of a nationwide theater organization, the International Thespian Society. I was also on the spirit squad and served as president for our student government.
Who was the most influential person in your life growing up? Why?
My mom was definitely the most influential person in my life growing up, and remains the most influential person in my life now. Not only is she the hardest working person I know, but she always puts her family first. She continually provides for my siblings and I, and encourages us to be the best that we can be. Her love for the Lord and her relationship with Him inspires me daily.
Why did you decide to come to Ouachita Baptist University?
I fell in love with this school when I first visited my senior year in high school. The campus is so incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I knew this is where God wanted me to be. He provided me with a music scholarship which was the final driving force behind attending. I am so thankful everyday that I get the privilege of calling OBU my home.
What is your major(s) and minor(s)?
Musical theater major, business administration minor.
What on-campus activities do you participate in at OBU?
Women of EEE, Theta Alpha Phi, Ouachita Sounds, and I was Miss OBU 2012.
What are your goals after graduation?
I hope to pursue my love for the entertainment field and find a job working in this area that I love so much.
What is your ideal job?
My ideal job would have to be working for a music or movie production company. As much as I love performing, I would love to be behind the scenes making all of the magic happen!
Why did you decide to try out to be a Tiger Tunes hostess?
I absolutely love everything that Tiger Tunes is about. It is the university’s largest scholarship fundraiser, and is such a huge part of our campus life. Performing is not just an extracurricular of mine, it is what I decided to major in, and being a hostess is one of the best avenues for performing outside of the theatre department that I could have been involved in. Being a hostess is the one thing that I really wanted to take part in before I graduated, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be one this fall.
Did you look to anyone for advice as you thought about trying out? Who and why?
My best friend, Nicole Mattson, was a Tiger Tunes Hostess last year, and I constantly heard about how much she loved the experience. I could not audition last year because I was blessed with the opportunity to direct my club’s show, so I knew that this was my last year to participate. She was a constant source of encouragement throughout my auditioning process, and I am forever thankful for all of her guidance!
What was your reaction when you first learned you had been chosen as a hostess?
I was actually with Ouachita Sounds on a performance outing when Joey called me to let me know that I had been chosen. I already had his number in my phone from working with him on Tiger Tunes in the past, and I knew he would be making calls that evening. So when my phone lit up and his name popped up on my screen, I was overjoyed!! It was probably one of the most exciting moments I have had at OBU yet.
What do you want people to remember most about the 2013 Tiger Tunes show?
I want everyone that attends Tiger Tunes not only this year, but in years to come, to understand that OBU is more than just an academic institution. I am extremely proud of the fact that Ouachita is centered around campus life and the students that are the heart of this university. Social clubs make up such a huge portion of our campus and give so much life to our school. Tiger Tunes is an opportunity for all of these clubs and organizations to give back to the campus that has given so much to them already. Tunes is an amazing outlet for scholarships, and I know for certain that I would not be attending this great university without the benefits and proceeds that come from Tiger Tunes.
What has been the funniest experience so far as you all have been practicing for Tiger Tunes?
Every single practice for this show has been an absolute blast. I have loved every single hour dedicated to learning music and choreography, and the camaraderie that has been built amongst all of the hosts and hostesses. One of the funniest memories I can recall happened just a few days ago. Abby and I had very little sleep and were overwhelmed with tests and projects, and were a little delirious when we entered practice that night. Literally every single thing was funny, and we could not help but laugh at anything that was said or done. Everyone got pretty annoyed with us that night because we were all trying to learn new material, but it was one of the most fun nights we have had.
