Author: Hailey Morgan

Hailey Morgan is a graduate with a bachelor's in communications and English at the University of Mobile. She won the area award in communication as well as graduated Summa Cum Laude. 2022 graduate, as a freshman she interned in UM’s Office of Marketing and Public Relations. Hailey enjoys reading, listening to music, and writing for fun in her free time.

Advice for College Freshmen: Be Still and Know

by Hailey Morgan

When I was in high school, I was the student who wanted to speed-run life. With a love of all things academic, getting through my courses, both at the high school and dual-enrollment level, was no issue. As a result, I graduated from high school with an associate’s degree in communication.

Having successfully completed all that I strove to achieve in high school, I was fully prepared to fly through the next step on my journey to the real world. And so, when I was first accepted into the University of Mobile, I never imaged the change I would undergo.

As a freshman, I was set to be at UM for two years and a semester. That final semester was added onto my schedule due to my Honors requirements, and I knew that I did not want to graduate before they were all completed. With this plan in place, however, I began to do what I always did; create a fast-track strategy to graduation.

Plan as I might, the Lord had greater plans for my life, and He made sure that they began right at the beginning of my freshman year. Before I even had the chance to blink, I found myself chatting with a girl in my Ram Rush group as we walked together toward Ram Hall. Neither of us knew it then, but the two of us would go on to become the absolute best of friends.

While this interaction may seem entirely normal, for me, it had been a long time since I had taken it easy and talked with someone outside of school. For years, I had been so focused on the next big thing, that I had neglected to enjoy the present. Once I arrived at the University of Mobile, however, all that changed.

After meeting the person who would grow to become my forever-friend, Ram Rush made sure that all of us freshmen were able to interact with one another as we navigated our first week of college. Even after Ram Rush was over, our Freshman Seminar classes (now known as UM 101) continued to bolster community, while also instructing us on the ins-and-outs of college life.

As I continued to branch out and meet more people, I was amazed by how welcoming everybody was. From the faculty and staff to the upperclassmen, it seemed there was simply no shortage of good people! And, in my attempt to meet as many of them as possible, I had the opportunity to work in so many different departments. From interning in the Marketing Office as a freshman to becoming both a Peer Leader and a tutor, I was able to connect with even more people as I continued to dive deeper into the community that the University of Mobile fosters.

And yet, before I knew it, I was graduating. For the first time in my life, the grand finale had snuck up on me. And, for the first time in my life, I found myself wishing that I could stay in one place just a little longer.

I thank the Lord each and every day for guiding me to the University of Mobile and, through my experiences here, teaching me how to be at peace in the present instead of fretting over the future. I am grateful for the amazing faculty and staff members who provided me with so many incredible opportunities, and who fostered connections that will last for many years to come.

Most importantly, I am thankful for all of the wonderful people I now call my friends. The Lord placed so many incredible people in my life. I truly believe that, had I gone elsewhere for college, I would not have grown as much as I have at the University of Mobile.

My First-Gen Graduation

by Hailey Morgan

Graduating from the University of Mobile as a first-gen student was simply incredible.

Since my freshman year, I have been a member of RamLegacy, which is a community of first-generation-to-college undergrads led by Professor Barbara Brousseau and two students, Jayda Stinnett and Morgan Phillips. Once a month, we would all gather together to hear an encouraging message from a graduated first-gen individual. These speakers would inspire us with their testimonies and strengthen our resolve to continue pushing toward graduation. In addition, we opened each meeting in prayer and kept in touch with one another outside of our sessions through GroupMe.

At our final meeting of the year, Professor Brousseau pinned all of the graduating seniors. Morgan Phillips, Zsakira Robinson and I were all pinned together and sent off by each of our peers.

At graduation, I was lucky enough to pass by Professor Brousseau on my way to the stage. Being able to see her moments before I accepted my diploma felt like the perfect ending to this chapter of my life. Touching the Great Commission Globe with my RamLegacy pin attached to my stole as my parents watched the procession was the cherry on top! In that moment, I was ready to go out and continue to pursue all that the Lord has in store for my life.

Looking back, I still cannot believe how large our graduating class was! To know that, among the 320 graduates who crossed that stage, there were three first-gen students was sweetly comforting. Bonded together through our first-gen community, we each wore our pins with pride as we accepted our diplomas.

Next year, there will be even more first-gen students walking across the stage. I cannot wait to go and support each of them on their big day!

Banner photo credit: Haley Darby

A Move-In Day to Remember

by Hailey Morgan

When I was heading back to the University of Mobile, I was unsure of just how different my move-in day experience would be. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, I knew that some changes were going to be made in how the faculty and staff controlled the coming crowds.

Though I was a bit nervous initially, I quickly realized that there was absolutely nothing to fear as UM did a wonderful job of making sure that both everything and everyone was appropriately following the new COVID-19 move-in day plan!

One of the first things that the University of Mobile did was enact a plan to help lessen the number of people on campus during the official move-in day. On Aug. 8, UM welcomed back a handful of students as they set up their dorm rooms and prepared their on-campus living spaces for the start of the new semester. Once these students had finished moving-in, they were free to return home and wait until the pre-scheduled move-in day to head back to school.

Though I know this tactic was originally set in place to help keep everyone safe during the pandemic, I thought that having an early move-in date was a particularly wonderful opportunity for the students who live relatively close to campus.

To further aid in keeping everybody socially distanced, the University of Mobile extended move-in day to a weekend-long event. Both first-time and returning students were able to choose a date and a time to head to campus and unpack their belongings. This lengthened move-in schedule allowed students and faculty to remain as safe as possible while complying with the new COVID-19 distancing regulations. Though this new process was a bit different, the overwhelming excitement of new people arriving at UM each day perfectly made-up for the unfamiliarity of the situation.

In addition to keeping everyone as socially distant as possible, the University of Mobile made sure that they communicated their new processes both clearly and concisely so that they could better ensure a smooth transition into college life. In the weeks leading up to the extended move-in dates, UM made sure to keep their students informed with countless emails and reminders on what do when arriving on campus.

To keep everything running smoothly throughout the three move-in dates, the university set up stations where students would be temperature-checked, turn in important forms, and pick up their dorm keys. By the time you pulled up to your dorm, all that was left to do was move-in! The faculty and staff were amazing at keeping the line of vehicles moving in a timely fashion and were amazing at directing drivers in the correct direction.

If move-in day was any form of a precursor to how the remainder of this semester will play out, I know for sure that all UM students will be in good hands! With such excellent communication and strategic decisions being made by the faculty and staff, I fully believe that the University of Mobile is ready to overcome any challenge presented by COVID-19.

Tips to Succeed While in Quarantine

by Hailey Morgan

With stay-at-home orders in most states across the nation due to COVID-19, college students are adjusting to classes delivered online, instead of face-to-face. With this new format of online learning comes a new daily routine, one that most traditional homeschoolers know quite well!

Since I was once one of those homeschoolers before I enrolled at the University of Mobile, I thought it best to share the five strategies that have helped me keep on track as I complete my course work each week.

  1. Create a Daily Schedule and Stick to It

My University of Mobile instructors are uploading all of their materials online. With this convenient new formatting, it has become all too easy to give in to procrastination and hurriedly complete assignments at the very last second. However, it is better to create and follow a daily homework plan that somewhat mirrors the routine that you had while living on campus. Compose a daily class schedule that is easily manageable and fits into your life. On campus, we all had our own unique structures and our lives were relatively organized. Now, we just have to find that same structure and organization again.

  1. Don’t Stay Up Too Late

Great, you’ve got a new schedule in place! Now, your only job is to remain faithful and continue to use it each day. However, if you do not feel rested when you wake up in the morning, no matter how simple your homework for that day may be, you will not be motivated to work. Because most of us feel comfortable at home, it is all too easy to stay up late watching Netflix or hanging out with family. But the later you go to sleep, the later you wake up. This cycle not only messes up your whole day, it also takes a toll on both your mental and physical wellbeing. If possible, it is a good idea to go to bed and wake up each morning at the same time. Once your body adapts to this new routine, it will soon become second nature.

  1. Don’t Stay in Your Pajamas Every Day

One of the main homeschool stereotypes is that we do school in our pajamas all day, every day. While it is true that homeschool students have the freedom to do this, it is not an everyday occurrence. If you wear your pajamas each day, it will eventually take a toll on your motivation. This may seem odd, but it’s true! After going so long without putting any care into your appearance, eventually, you won’t really care about anything else. I am in no way ordering you all to get dressed in appropriate attire each and every morning, but at least take some time every day to care for yourself. Put a little effort in and freshen up before starting on homework. It might not seem like much, but it will do miracles for your level of motivation! To wake up and succeed at completing even a small task gives you enough confidence to tackle the rest of the day!

  1. Don’t Have Your Phone Near You When Working

This is probably the hardest rule I have ever given myself. When doing homework or completing coursework, it is easy to get distracted with your phone alerting you to new messages every minute or so. While I don’t necessarily agree with the idea of shutting my phone completely off, I do switch it to silent and place it somewhere out of both sight and arm’s length. Though it is extremely hard for me to commit to abiding by this rule each day, I can’t deny how much more productive I am without the temptation to constantly check Instagram or TikTok!

  1. Check Your Student Email at Least Twice Daily

During this time, faculty members are communicating with their students primarily through email. Maybe you’re already good at checking your email, but I know personally that I am not the greatest! This is why, especially now, I make it a point each day to check my student email every morning and every night. If you check it even more often than that, all the better for you!

Though we are in the midst of an uncertain and unfamiliar time right now, we all need to remember that God is ultimately still in control! There is nothing going on right now that He doesn’t already know about. With time, I’m positive our circumstance will improve! For now, keep doing your best and putting in all your effort. You’ve made it this far, so I know you can make it to the end!

5 Bible Verses to Remember in College

by Hailey Morgan

As I’ve made my way through college, I have found it so important to cling to the Word of God. Every verse in the Bible has its own, special message; however, certain passages will resonate with us during specific points in our lives. Since arriving at the University of Mobile, these four verses have become a central aspect of my life.


1. Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

There will be times in college when it will feel as though your assignments have gotten ahead of you. During these periods, it is so easy to allow anxiety to take over and cause stress as you struggle. This verse reminds me that all it takes is a bit of kindness from someone else to show that they care.

Here at the University of Mobile, many of the faculty and professors will come to know you personally. It always brightens my day when a professor, who I might not even have classes with, stops to chat with me. Because UM is such a close-knit community, you will never be alone during times of anxiety. There will always be someone around to partner with and pray for you!


2. Proverbs 16:3 – Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

Anxiety often erupts as a side effect of worry. In college, it is all too easy to worry about the future and what it may or may not bring. Although thoughts of failure can infiltrate the mind and drag you down, this verse reminds us not to worry because, as long as we have committed ourselves to the Lord, He will take care of the rest. Here at the University of Mobile, students are taught in a way that prepares them for their future careers. However, the professors and faculty also make sure their students realize how important the Lord is in their life. To grow closer to God is to come closer to realizing your full potential and purpose.


3. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

The feeling of being utterly powerless is what most often leads us to worry. When in college, students are able to grow individually and truly discover who they are called to be. However, during this first taste of freedom, it is possible to feel powerless. For the first time ever, you are totally in charge of your own life! But if you don’t think that you are ready to take the reins, doubt will slowly and silently creep in. To feel powerless in life is to feel trapped in a cage of your own making. This is why the Bible reminds us that, with the Lord, we can have both power and strength. God does not throw us unto this earth and abandon us, He stays by our side to guide and empower us through times of both good and bad.

At the University of Mobile, the professors and faculty understand the huge changes that are taking place in the lives of their students. If they feel as though a student may be experiencing a difficult season, they are always prepared to talk with and encourage them in any way they can.


4. John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Fear is at the beginning of everything that is negative. Fear is what leads to the feeling of being powerless, which then quickly morphs into worry as you try to think of ways to overcome your situation. Because of this worry, anxiety springs up to take its place as a more “effective” defensive strategy. In college, it is all too easy to fall into this brutal cycle of fear, powerlessness, worry, anxiety, repeat.

But the Bible tells us that these emotions are not of the Lord. God is good; He is here to provide peace as he guides you through your life. When we get caught up in these emotions, we often feel as though God has forsaken us and that we are all on our own. However, if we only pause and call out to Him, He will come rushing in to save us from our sorrows.

At the University of Mobile, fear is actively fought against. The professors and faculty put an enormous effort into making sure their students are well-cared for and at peace with their current place in life. UM is a university showered by and totally covered in prayers. When I first arrived, I experienced a peace that I had never felt before. This feeling of utter content carried me all throughout my first semester and is still prevalent in my life.

Though college can be a time of change, do not give in to fear. Instead, draw closer to the Lord and His Word so that you can receive constant reminders of how big He is compared to the seemingly vast nature of your struggles. Befriend those who will gather around you in times of trouble and get plugged-in to a church off campus. At the University of Mobile, you will be able to thrive in an environment that is deeply founded on the principles listed in the Bible. With such a system in place, avoiding fear, powerlessness, worry, and anxiety can become that much easier.

Sign Up for University of Mobile Preview Day set for March 20

by Hailey Morgan

MOBILE, Ala. – Come and see what it’s like to be a Ram! The University of Mobile’s final Preview Day of spring semester will be held March 20. Students and their families will be able to explore campus, attend Q&A and academic sessions and be hosted in the Caf for a free meal. 

Register for a UM Preview Day online at www.umobile.edu/preview or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

The University of Mobile also provides prospective students with opportunities to schedule a private campus visit at a time that is convenient. Group tours are available for prospective students from churches, schools, or other organizations.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Hannah & Dallas: A Mission of Love

by Hailey Morgan

Even though they grew up living 30 minutes away from each other, Hannah and Dallas never officially met until they were both coincidentally placed in the same Ram Rush group.

Ram Rush is the term used for the University of Mobile’s freshman orientation. Through Ram Rush, new students are able to meet new people, take part in fun activites, and get to know their way around campus.

Hannah and Dallas’s friendship quickly blossomed as they discovered their shared passion for missions. Both were majoring in intercultural studies and attended many of the same classes together. Over the course of their freshman year, Hannah revealed to Dallas that she felt the Lord calling her to ministry in Asia. Dallas responded by telling Hannah that God was calling him to Central and South America.

“Because we were being called to different areas,” Hannah explained, “Dallas and I never dated because we didn’t want to interfere with the Lord’s plans.”

However, God works in mysterious ways and, during their sophomore year, Hannah and Dallas were chosen to lead a Ram Rush group together.

“She wasn’t even supposed to be my partner.” Dallas laughed. “The girl who was originally paired with me had to drop out at the last second, and Hannah was put in as a replacement.

Through this second Ram Rush experience, the two developed an even closer bond. This special relationship grew even deeper when Hannah began taking a Spanish course. The class drew Hannah into the Hispanic culture and allowed God to nurture within her a love of the people from Central and South America. It wasn’t long before she realized the Lord was calling her to minister to these people.

“There came a point when I started to refer to Dallas and I as ‘we’,” Hannah said, “But I wasn’t thinking in the context of a romantic relationship. I was more thinking along the lines of, ‘We can go to seminary together, fly to South America, plant a church and be neighbors!’”

These talks of future goals consumed most of their sophomore year together.

“We went to the same church and, after the service ended, we would stay up and just talk.” Dallas said, “Church normally finished at 10 p.m., but we would often find ourselves up till 4 a.m.”

One week in December, a few days before final exams, Hannah and Dallas were watching movies together when Dallas suddenly said, “I think we’re supposed to get married.” Hannah wholeheartedly agreed, and they both called their parents that night to tell them the news.

The couple became officially engaged in March of 2018 and were married soon afterward in August. Dallas’s father officiated their ceremony.

Hannah and Dallas have been married for a year and a half and will both graduate in May 2020. They cannot wait to see how the Lord is going to use them as they prepare for both the mission field and another task they both feel the Lord calling them to – becoming foster parents.

(Photos by Justine and Wayne Photography)

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