Recently featured on WLOX, Aiden has created an interactive digital walking tour of downtown Gulfport as part of his internship with the Gulfport Historical Society. The project uses historical maps, archival images, and GPS integration to guide users through Gulfport’s past while standing in its present.

“I love history and always will,” Aiden says. “I wanted to help a small, local museum to the best of my ability—and to learn more about the Gulf Coast as a whole.”

Originally from Wade, Mississippi, Aiden now lives in Biloxi and is continuing his education at The University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Geography with a History minor. At USM’s Gulf Park campus, he serves as a member of Gulf Park Welcome Week and Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honor society.

His path to success began at MGCCC, where he served as Vice President and then President of the Beta Tau Eta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, helping rebuild the chapter and earning national recognition. He credits much of his growth to the support of his instructors and advisors.

“Before going to MGCCC, I struggled with socializing due to Asperger’s,” Aiden shared. “Thanks to people like Will Overstreet, Mandy Withrow, Valerie Cleckler, and Selina Davis, I was able to break out of my shell. I’ve since spoken at multiple events and even appeared on the local news without much incident.”

He also remembers his pawpaw—a Vietnam veteran—as the inspiration for his love of history and dedication to research.

“Watching military documentaries with him and hearing his stories sparked my passion for the past. He’ll always be my inspiration.”

Aiden’s story is a powerful reminder of how MGCCC helps students not only succeed academically, but also discover their voice, their purpose, and their place in the world.

Check out Aiden on WLOX at: Historic Walking Tour