She loves Mississippi State, animals and roller derby.
When junior Amanda Ready transferred from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson last fall, she had already decided to do the opposite of what her family has done before her. Instead of pursuing a law degree from that school up north, Ready wanted to go to Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine to earn her veterinary degree as a Bulldog.
"I just feel really at home here; it's where I'm supposed to be," she said. "I really love Mississippi State," Ready said. "It amazes me that it's such a big school, but it's so easy to find friends -- it feels more like a family and not just a college."
One of the most remarkable things Ready's learned working at Mississippi State's Animal Health Center while pursuing her animal and dairy science degree focused in veterinary science, is that she enjoys working with livestock. Her initial veterinary experiences mainly involved domesticated animals, e.g., dogs and cats, but at the vet clinic, Ready has learned that working with bigger animals can often be more straightforward.
"I've worked in veterinary environments before, but when I started to work in the Mississippi State vet clinic, I was so excited," she explained. "It's really fun because I get to work, literally, with all kinds of animals, and I get to do some of the behind-the-scenes work, too."
Ready, though she lives off campus, often studies on campus. Some places that help her focus include Mitchell Memorial Library, the Dawg House and the McCool Hall study rooms, she said. She also enjoys visiting MAFES Sales Store to enjoy Mississippi State-made cheese.
As if pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree and working at the vet clinic weren't keeping her busy enough, Ready is also a Mississippi Brawl Star, a member of the women's Golden Triangle flat track roller derby team.
"My passions are veterinary science and roller derby," she said. "I am planning to join some vet clubs this fall, even though roller derby doesn't leave me a whole lot of time."
Finding the time to devote to roller derby after she completes her responsibilities with school and work can be challenging, Ready said, but the exercise and camaraderie offered by the Brawl Stars makes all her efforts worth it. Not only is she an active player, she's also head of the recruitment committee, treasurer on the executive committee and a member of the training committee.
"I'm very competitive, but the Brawl Stars have a good reputation for being the most sportsmanlike team around. I'm proud to be part of the team, and it's our attitude that makes people enjoy us and want to support us," she said.
At the end of the day, Ready appreciates where she is now and where Mississippi State is taking her.
"I'm really proud that I'm here; I love Mississippi State," she said. "I hope to enroll in the vet school after this next year. I already know what it's like in a real vet environment, and that sets me apart."