Wiley Anderson

The University of Mississippi admits thousands of students from around the world each year. The students come from an array of different backgrounds, beliefs and ethnicities. One thing they all share is a certain level of humanity.

Wiley Anderson, a journalism student at Ole Miss, has had his share of personal tragedy, yet has emerged with strength and determination. Losing his father at age 11, he admits, was a minor setback in his life, but he remembers the morals and values he taught him.

“I remember shooting ball in the backyard with my father all the time,” he said.

“He was the kind of father I want to be. He was just an all-around great man.”

Basketball was always a big factor in his life. Anderson cites Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers as his all-time hero. Anderson said that he wanted to grow up and become a professional basketball player.

“I wanted to go to Duke University and play basketball,” he said.

“However, I decided to come to Ole Miss and pursue my education. I felt it was most important.”

In the future, Anderson plans to travel as a luxury. He has already been to Thailand, and hopes to backpack through Europe one summer after graduation.

Anderson tries to reflect on a life-long moral he will always stand by.

“Honesty is always the best policy.”