When Rebecca Long enrolled at Mississippi State in 2005, her career options were wide open and diverse. Several majors appealed to the Brandon High graduate, from business to landscape architecture to photography.
After taking an art class during her second semester, however, it didn't take her long to decide which path to take. As a graphic design major, Rebecca has had the opportunity to spread her creative wings and use all of her artistic talents, including photography and woodworking.
After three years of study in the university's graphic design program—recently recognized by HOW magazine as one of the nation's top-tier programs—and an internship in MSU's award-winning Office of University Relations, it's obvious she made the right decision.
Two of Rebecca's designs recently were selected as top entries for the Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival and Homecoming poster contests, and during her internship, she created the concept and designs for the university's Flu Watch campaign.
"Having someone acknowledge my work affirms my calling to be a graphic designer," Rebecca said. "Everyone has those days when they are not sure if they are doing the right thing, but when other people compliment my work—and especially when they choose my work as a winning piece—it really confirms that I am right where I need to be. "