In between student teaching and class, I was able to catch Mississippi Beta Shelby Shelton at a coffee shop on “The Square.” Shelby loves the small town feel of Oxford, Mississippi, because it allows her to be very involved in her community.

Shelby knew early on what she wanted to do: work with individuals with special needs. She is studying K-12 special education at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and sees herself working with elementary-aged children. “Patient, confident, willing to give your time up and kind-spirited” are all characteristics Shelby thinks are needed to be successful in the field.

Shelby volunteers twice a week with Leap Frog, a nonprofit after-school tutoring and mentoring program at Oxford Elementary School. Students are recommended by their teachers to attend this free program to receive tutoring and gain additional skills.

Shelby is running on all cylinders, but in her “spare” time, she still does something with children including teaching swim lessons or babysitting. “[It is] definitely something that I like to do, in order to have a full heart,” she said.

Shelby believes her passion for Ole Miss, Pi Beta Phi and working with children came from her mother, Mississippi Beta Suzanne Shelton. Suzanne is a past special education teacher and currently teaches preschool students. Suzanne is also the most recent Past President of the Houston Alumnae Club. Growing up in Houston, Shelby helped her mom at Brookwood Community, a nonprofit residential and vocational program for adults with disabilities. Shelby volunteered by leading fun activities, like swimming, for the attendees.

Thank you for sharing your kind heart with your sisters and community.