Mahlia Parsons’ academic journey has been shaped by a diverse range of experiences. As a member of Lynchburg’s Class of 2024, majoring in international relations and Africana studies, with a minor in political science, the Fairfax, Vermont, native has been fortunate to explore various academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Parsons says Africana studies as an interesting major because “it pulls from several of the other majors, creating something comprehensive and unique.” She credits Dr. Lindsay Michie, history professor and Africana studies co-chair, for making the subject come alive.
“I credit [her] for the experience in the Africana studies major and for giving me a great example of a woman doing the meaningful work I hope to do in the future,” Parsons said. “She has such a wealth of knowledge and experience that I’m so thankful to have learned from.”
Michie was grateful for the experience of teaching Parsons. “Students like Mahlia bring an extra spark that keeps us fresh and ready to try new things, as well as continue to see the fascination in what we’re teaching,” she said.
Along with Michie, Parsons credits international relations professor Dr. Marek Payerhin for much of her academic work. She said Payerhin is “my biggest challenger and I mean that in the best way. … His advice to me has consistently been not to limit myself.”
Under Payerhin’s guidance, Parsons applied for graduate school, something she had never considered. She will be attending the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to complete a master’s degree in Africa and international development.
“I have always loved the idea of going abroad, as I traveled to China and Iceland on academic trips in past years, so it felt natural to look at overseas schools,” she said.
Parsons was not only a diligent student, but also an athlete on the track and field team. Although being part of the team was a valuable experience, it was not without its challenges.
“Academics and athletics, by nature, are not meant to intertwine, so it [requires] finding that balance of both time and effort,” she said. “[However], the camaraderie I have gotten from being on the team is not something I would trade for anything.”
She has many fond memories of her time at the University, including the aforementioned study-abroad trip to Iceland in 2022.
She says the trip reassured her that she had picked the perfect academic programs to achieve her future goals.
It also allowed her to “meet with government officials in charge of environmental policy, [which] was beyond exciting.”
In the classroom, her favorite moments were in her DELL 101 class, “Music and Revolutions,” taught by Michie, which touched on many of the concepts they discussed in her other classes.
“There is something so interesting and empowering about the unifying nature of music as a resistance tool that I found fascinating,” Parsons said.
For future Hornets, she advised, “Take every opportunity that comes your way. If you are unsure or hesitant, challenge yourself and try it anyway. Get involved. This University is so special, as it allows you to take those chances and jump headfirst into new things, even when it is potentially scary.
“There is never a better time to do so than right here and right now.”
