Student Spotlight: Laklee Howell
Laklee Howell doesn’t mind working behind the scenes. In fact, that’s where she sees her future.
The 18-year-old Meridian Community College freshman plans to transfer to the University of Mississippi to pursue a bachelor’s degree as a histology technician. The field focuses on studying human tissue under a microscope, work that supports doctors and researchers.
“I think it’s really fascinating,” Howell said.
Her interest grew during a summer research internship at Vanderbilt Medical Center, which offered hands-on lab experience for students in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Howell participated in the six-week program for two summers while in high school, after a friend recommended it.
Howell said the experience helped confirm her love for science, especially biology.
“I have always loved asking questions,” she said. “Science is all about figuring out the unknown.”
She is drawn to the idea of helping people, even if she is not working with patients face-to-face. Histology fits that goal, she said, because the work supports medical care from the background. She has also considered becoming a doctor, but is still exploring her options.
“I’ll see where the Lord takes me,” Howell said.
At MCC, Howell is a University Transfer student taking 18 credit hours this semester, and though a freshman, she needs only five more hours to be classified as a sophomore after earning dual credit in high school.
She chose MCC over a closer option because she wanted something new. “I wanted a change,” she said. “I didn’t want to see all the same faces.”
Her decision also made sense financially. Howell’s mother works at MCC, which helps with transportation and saving on gas.
On campus, Howell stays busy. She works as a math tutor, usually up to 12 hours a week, helping students in college algebra and other courses. “Even if I don’t know the answer, I’m going to find it,” she said.
She is also active in Ivy League Recruiters, the Student Government Association, and the Baptist Student Union support team. Howell has also taken part in research projects at MCC.
For Howell, it’s the people who make MCC feel like home. “I love the people here,” she said. “I learn something every day about somebody.” And her faith plays a central role in her life and outlook.
“It’s part of my journey,” she said. “I’m learning to love people more.”
Outside of class, Howell enjoys listening to music and reading.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.