When graduate student Sandra Woolfolk isn't hard at work pursuing her doctorate in entomology and plant pathology, she spends much of her time camping, making pottery, painting, and taking field trips to the zoo. And, she usually has plenty of company.
Despite the demanding schedule of a doctoral candidate, twice a month the native of Indonesia gathers with the girls that make up her Girl Scout troop, leading them through the many tasks required for earning the various badges available.
Woolfolk's troop, however, is likely different from any other in Mississippi in that of the 24 girls in the unit, about half are from multi-cultural and international heritage, with most of their parents being part of the MSU community as international students or professors.
Woolfolk said she considers it an honor to be a part of helping young girls develop skills that will help them be successful as they grow up and become young women.
"More than anything, I hope they learn independence and individuality," she said. "Much of what we teach is about developing leadership, but an important part of leadership is having the confidence to not go along with the crowd."