54 Student-Athletes Walk Towards Future

***Story contributions by UMO Pubic Relations***

Mount Olive, N.C. – University of Mount Olive's Emma Burroughs joined 53 UMO student-athletes who walked across the stage inside Kornegay Arena at graduation on Saturday. Burroughs spent her four years at UMO as a member of the women's tennis team, and while at Mount Olive she was involved in several different areas on campus that has allowed her to experience her full potential, prepare for a successful future, and develop life-long friendships.

A natural born athlete, Burroughs was involved in various sports during her childhood.  However, as time progressed she gravitated to tennis.  "I chose tennis because I found it very challenging," Burroughs said.  "It is as mental as it is physical. I have learned a lot about myself through tennis and the challenges it brings. Tennis has truly made me into the person I am today. The tough lessons I've learned on the court will definitely follow me into my personal and professional life in the future."

Tennis is what eventually led Burroughs to UMO where she enrolled in the fall of 2015, joining the Trojan women's tennis team. Burroughs received the award for Most Improved during her freshman year, and she is an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athlete.

As a biology major and chemistry minor, Burroughs spends her time off the court exploring the world of science. "I have always been interested in science," she explained. "I enjoy the experiments, thoughts, and theories that come along with the subject."

During Burroughs sophomore year, she expressed a desire to pursue veterinary medicine. "I shadowed other vets around my area and worked in different clinics," she said. "However, by my junior year, I shifted my focus to genetics. I shadowed at many clinics and hospitals observing the daily life of a genetic counselor. I was very intrigued in how they played a major role in medicine and human understanding of disease."

In addition to schoolwork and athletics, Burroughs works as a science tutor for the UMO Academic Resource Center.  She is a member of the Science Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the Honors Program. 

As a member of the Honors Program, Burroughs has had meaningful experiences and developed close friendships. "The Honors courses offer us a chance to work with students from many different backgrounds, have thoughtful discourse, and even travel together," Burroughs said.  Last year she traveled with the group to Central Europe. She has also traveled to visit several of her international teammates to places like England and Austria.  She plans to spend a month in Colombia with a teammate after graduation. "I have been able to travel and see so many things that would not have been possible if my path did not lead me to UMO," Burroughs said.

After graduation, she plans to pursue career opportunities in the RTP area

Joining Burroughs in Kornegay Arena for graduation were 53 other UMO student-athletes who received their bachelor's degrees.

Below is a list of UMO student-athletes who graduated during Saturday's commencement ceremony.