A strong student welcomes a challenge

I cannot wait to see all that 2014 will hold for me. I will leave Meredith as a strong, independent, and experienced woman capable of leaving my mark on the world.

Holly Mills, ’14, isn’t afraid to take risks or face challenges. She came to Meredith to pursue a degree in social work. The two years she spent living as a missionary in Mexico affirmed her interest in the discipline. Mills immersed herself in opportunities to prepare for a career in social work, which included traveling with a group from Meredith to the Beacon House Orphanage in Ghana in 2012.

But when she saw artist and sustainability advocate Chris Jordan speak on campus, things changed. Finding herself motivated and inspired by his message, Mills decided to change her major to environmental sustainability – a move that’s typically considered risky for students well into their junior year.

Mills was always interested in the environmental sustainability major, but she had been intimidated by the prospect of upper-level science and math courses. Once she changed her major, she found that she thrived studying what she loved and enjoyed the challenges presented by these courses.

Mills now uses her strengths to encourage others to make sustainable choices. While studying abroad in Sansepolcro, Italy, she was appointed the palazzo’s recycling guru. Back on campus, she advocates for sustainability as a member of Angels for the Environment. She also delivered a presentation about sustainable food systems at Meredith’s TEDx event in January 2013 and researched the carbon footprint of commuter students.

Her reputation on campus as an environmental steward provided her with a big opportunity. When the sustainability-minded founders of Uncharted Play delivered the Fall 2013 Convocation, Mills was selected to introduce them. That opportunity led to another – an internship with the company.

As a campus ambassador program liaison for Uncharted Play, Mills manages five students from around the country (including one from Meredith) as they spread the word about Uncharted Play on their campuses and in their communities.

Mills will graduate from Meredith in May – on time despite changing her major – and is looking forward to what will come next.

“I cannot wait to see all that 2014 will hold for me,” said Mills. “I will leave Meredith as a strong, independent, and experienced woman capable of leaving my mark on the world.”

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2014 issue of Meredith Magazine.