Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of articles spotlighting the valedictorians from each of the schools in Dallas County.

 

Recent Dallas County High School graduate Brandi Oliver plans to spend her last summer in Selma alongside her family and the friends she’s made since she moved to the city she’s called home since she was 2-years-old.

Leaving Selma will admittedly be tough for Oliver, who was named DCHS’ valedictorian last week and boasts a high school GPA of 4.289. Her future plans won’t lead her too far from home, however, as Oliver will attend the University of Alabama in the fall.

“I’m most excited about the overall learning experience that the University of Alabama has to offer,” Oliver said. “There are a lot of people there, and I’ll have to get used to that, but I think it will be a great experience overall.”

At Alabama, Oliver said she plans to major in nursing.

“I’ve always wanted to become a nurse,” she said. “My general love for helping others and taking care of other people [drew me to the field].”

Although she said only a few of her classmates will accompany her to Tuscaloosa, there are numerous people from other Dallas County schools that she knows plan to attend the university. Because the UA campus is so large, she said knowing other recent high school graduates from Selma will help her adjust.

“Coming from such a small town, I’m kind of skeptical about going to such a large campus,” she said. “But I’m sure it’ll be worth it.”

Oliver, who was a member of the National Honors Society and Beta Club, cheered and was elected vice president of her senior class, said she was both excited and nervous about the transition.

“I’m going to miss being around my family,” she said. “I’ve never been away from my family for more than a week, so I’ll have to get used to that. It’ll be way different — traffic will be way different, everything. I’m looking forward to it though.”