University of Mississippi Senior Anna Lennep of Moss Point, on a summer study in Spain, visits the Alhambra, a ninth-century Arabic palace and fortress overlooking the city of Grenada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi senior Anna Lennep of Moss Point returns to campus this fall after spending a month in Spain this summer studying the country’s language and culture.
A liberal studies major, with minors in Spanish, English and political science, Lennep is a Luckyday Scholar and member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She received an honors college fellowship to help pay for her summer study at the University of Cadiz. She completed two courses in Spanish culture and history, earning six hours credit toward her bachelor’s degree, which she is slated to complete in December.
She said she gained a lot from her study abroad, which ran from May 26 to June 23.
“I met people from all over the world, and I loved seeing how people of different nationalities adapted to an all-Spanish environment,” she said. “In Cadiz, the people are very laid-back and friendly. They were patient, welcoming and willing to help students who had trouble with the language barrier.”
Aside from classes and studying, Lennep said she enjoyed visiting the area’s beautiful beaches and historic sites, walking around the town and dining at its great restaurants. She also traveled by bus to nearby cities, including Seville, Gibraltar and Granada.
“In Granada, I had my first experience visiting a European cathedral,” she said. “The architecture and history were absolutely breathtaking, and I found myself with chills just looking at the different paintings and such inside.”
Lennep credits the university for guiding her toward a promising future.
“Ole Miss has opened my eyes to the many opportunities available, so long as I am willing to put myself out there and take them,” she said. “Knowing I have the support of my university behind me in endeavors like study abroad and the Washington Internship Experience is comforting to me when I consider future plans and obstacles.”
She credits the Honors College for giving her “an appreciation for diverse minds.”
“I have made friends with whom I don’t always agree, but I can always respect their perspectives because the Honors College community is filled with creative, thoughtful, innovative and driven students. We may not always agree but the college fosters students who share a passion for learning, and I like that I don’t have to feel strange for being curious when I’m among this community of scholars.”
After graduation, Lennep is considering attending law school or working toward a master’s degree in Spanish and/or English. While undecided about her future career, she said being a lawyer or a college professor are at the top of her list.
A graduate of Pascagoula High School, Lennep is the daughter of Wayne Lennep of Moss Point and Amber and Bruce Calederone of Mobile, Ala.
For more information about study abroad opportunities at Ole Miss, visit http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/study_abroad/. To learn more about the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, visit http://www.honors.olemiss.edu/.