Originally majoring in biomedical sciences, Kyle struggled to find inspiration in a field that didn’t ignite her curiosity. Balancing a full-time job in casino marketing while attending MGCCC primarily as an online student, she found herself unmotivated—until a class assignment changed everything.
“In one of my English classes, I did an assignment about Qualified Immunity, and I loved going through different court cases,” Kyle said. “Something just clicked in my brain. I decided to change my major to legal studies, and suddenly, I couldn’t get enough of what I was learning.”
That decision led to a renewed commitment to her education and a perfect 4.0 GPA in her final semester—not out of obligation, but from genuine enthusiasm for her coursework. “I finished this semester with a 4.0—not for the grade, but because I truly enjoyed what I was learning,” she said.
Now majoring in legal studies, Kyle plans to transfer to The University of Southern Mississippi to earn her bachelor’s degree, then continue on to law school. Her ultimate goal is to practice criminal defense, focusing on cases involving individuals who may have been wrongfully convicted due to inadequate legal representation. “Having a background in criminal defense will allow me to help people who deserve a fair chance,” she said.
As a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Kyle found a sense of connection and community after spending much of her time at MGCCC learning online. “I joined PTK this year as a way to connect with my peers,” she said. “It helped me meet others who take school just as seriously as I do.”
Returning to college wasn’t part of a grand plan—it was a moment of determination. “I was sitting on the couch watching TV one day and just decided I wanted to go back to school,” she said. “I drove to the Harrison County Campus and spoke to someone in student services who helped me register. Sometimes it’s just as simple as that.”
With two sisters and a proud family cheering her on, Kyle’s story is one of discovering purpose through education and pursuing justice through passion. She’s a reminder that it’s never too late to change your mind—or your future.
