Rebecca Chen is one of many juniors in the class of 2017 at MSMS. The 16-year-old from Hattiesburg has lived in Goen Hall for almost one month now, and her peers realize it is evident that Rebecca is an individual full of determination and thoughtfulness. But, just like half of this school, she is a normal junior who has gone through some changes in coming to MSMS.

Though Rebecca was born in Las Vegas, Nev., she has lived in Mississippi since the 2nd grade and has attended the Oak Grove school district. Her hobbies include painting with watercolors, sculpting out of polymer clay and playing piano. But out of all these, Rebecca says that the one thing that has shaped her personality is her experience as part of the drum line for her school band.

Applying to MSMS happened during a busy time for Rebecca because it was around the time the band season was winding down. While applying to MSMS was a difficult last-minute decision, “…it was my own choice, even though it was hard to leave behind Oak Grove,” said Rebecca, adding that she is glad of her decision to attend MSMS.

When it comes to residential life Rebecca said, “It was kind of hard because I have to wear shoes around the dorm.” Living in the dorms has changed the way Rebecca goes about her daily life. It mostly consists of using less bowls and eating less foods that take up too much time to clean. She also enjoys all the loud people in the hallways.

Rebecca says she enjoys her classes (so far), which include AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and University English I. However, Rebecca’s favorite class is Tales from the Crypt.

Whether on the racquetball courts in Stark, sharing cafeteria meals with her classmates or as a frequent visitor to the Goen piano practice room, Rebecca said she is enjoying being a part of the MSMS Class of 2017.