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Martin Crotts, of New Albany, MS, is a self-described ‘small town boy with small town dreams.’ That is not to say that Crotts does not have ‘big time aspirations.’ Instead this council scholar is aiming at a career in pharmacy in the same North Mississippi town that he feels nurtured his upbringing and helped shape his character. Crotts is resisting the trend of fleeing to metropolises in order to serve the charming community he calls home. “I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” he says. Crotts says he has always wanted to have a career where he could interact with people he cares about, so he dreamed of running his own hometown pharmacy. “It will give me an opportunity to form good relationships with people in the community,” he says, “and I will also be helping people live better, healthier lives. I enjoy interacting with people and this will allow me to do that.” In preparing for college, Crotts worried that he would not be able to come to the university straight from high school; that is, until he received a Women’s Council Scholarship. “This scholarship has enabled me to come straight to Ole Miss and has given me a better opportunity to succeed in my chosen profession. Without this scholarship, I would not be in school here,” he says. Now Crotts is pursuing his passion in one of the nation’s premier pharmacy programs, participating in numerous activities, and reveling in the perks of being a council scholar. “It is just a neat thing to be a part of the OMWC. I enjoy being a part of a group that wants to succeed so badly,” he says. “My favorite thing about being an OMWC scholar is knowing you are a part of something special; it is a privilege being a part of such a special group of students. It is nice to have someone nearby who cares about the things going on in your life and who wants you to succeed in whatever you are doing.” Crotts adds that he believes the training he receives through the Leadership-Mentorship Program will aid him as he seeks to become a leader in his community, both as a pharmacist and a civic volunteer. “At one time another [I] will be called on to lead,” he says. “The ability to lead is something everyone needs to have. It enables you to set great examples for others who listen and look up to you.” It is certain that Crotts’ hometown will be looking up to him for years to come as he carries his commitment to community, education, and lessons learned from the Women’s Council to the next generation of small town dreamers.
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