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If you asked Bre’Anna Coleman as a high school student whether she was looking forward to attending a university, she would have said that was impossible.

In May, the first-generation college student will graduate with a degree in political science with an emphasis in law and courts, along with minors in African American studies, journalism and creative writing. Plus, she will prove that you should never count yourself out or tell yourself no.

“Entering my last month of college feels surreal, especially since a few months before my freshman year, I wasn’t even sure I would make it to the University of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ,” Coleman said.

Growing up in Drew, a small Delta town with just around 1,700 residents, opportunity was not easy to come by.

With little access to educational resources, she turned to reading and literature to teach herself. Additionally, seeing her classmates struggle in their education inspired her to share this passion for learning and help her peers in their studies.

It also led her to run for alderman with a campaign to advocate for local youth and the lack of resources in their area of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ. Although she was not elected, this began her journey into public service and to pursuing a college degree.

“When I came to UM, I knew that I didn’t want my financial situation to determine my experience,” she said. “I wanted to explore campus organizations, join clubs and become active in the Oxford community.”

One of her most memorable experiences during her freshman year was being a senior fellow for the program. She and her team completed a community impact project in Cleveland titled “The Power of You,” which provided mental health resources and taught accessible self-care activities to people in the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Delta.

Highlighting her sophomore year, she served as creative director for the first-ever Denim Day Fashion Show.

“I was honored when RASA (Rallying Against Sexual Assault) reached out to me,” Coleman said. “The fashion show was powerful and impactful.

“I always enjoy helping others, especially when the event is about honoring those who came before us.”

Through all her experiences, Coleman's confidence has grown.

“I learned to become comfortable in my story, who I am and what I have to offer,” she said.

Her love of reading continued into her studies at Ole Miss, as she took creative writing courses and began writing for the . She also pursued political science with the hopes of influencing change in ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and across the country.

Coleman began applying for national scholarships, and the university’s Office of National Scholarship Advisement endorsed her as a 2024 Truman Scholarship nominee.

“I was thrilled to begin working with Bre’Anna on her Truman application,” said Whitney Woods, assistant director of ONSA. “She is one of those students who immediately made an impression through her passion, commitment and selfless pursuit of service.”

Although she was not chosen for a Truman, Coleman was selected as a Delta Scholar.

During her senior year, she applied for several other awards and is a semifinalist for a 2025 .

“She is a genuine change agent,” Woods said. “She is open, approachable and persistent. Once Bre’Anna sets her eyes on a goal, she does not give up. She is going to put her all into accomplishing it, not just for herself, but for others who are following in her footsteps.

“This is the legacy that Bre’Anna wants to leave: nothing is impossible if you are willing to put in the effort.”

Applying for awards has given Coleman the strength to “keep pushing through” and believe in herself.

“You are only as strong as your support team, and I am blessed to have amazing people in my corner,” she said.

As she approaches graduation, Coleman said she is proud to see how far she has come.

“I allowed my passion and purpose to lead me to where I am meant to be,” she said. “I am forever grateful for the people who took time out of their days to pour into me.

“Maybe one day, I could be to someone what those amazing people were to me.”

Top: Bre’Anna Coleman, a first-generation college student from the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Delta, overcame limited resources to thrive at the university, where she pursued political science, creative writing and public service. Her journey reflects the power of resilience, community impact and believing in your own potential. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Bre'Anna Coleman's Journey to Commencement