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Miss Arkansas 2014 Ashton Campbell
Age: 20 | Hometown: Hindsville | College: University of Arkansas | Talent: Vocal
Platform: “Aim Higher: Setting Our Sights On Higher Education”

What’s your platform all about?
Arkansas is ranked much lower than the national average for college and higher education attainment rates; I have made it my mission to change this. For my platform, I want to help students end cycles of disadvantage through higher ed. I encourage students to consider workforce education and technical training as well as two- and four-year degrees. My goal is to speak to 75,000 Arkansas students of all ages this year. I hope to implement a program that educates them about all higher education options and how to cover the costs.

Did any personal experiences inspire your platform?
Both of my parents were first generation college students, so I have seen firsthand the difference higher education can make in a person’s life. I want every student to understand that they have the choice of whether they want to settle or aim higher in their educational goals.

What advice do you most want to give students?
That higher ed is worth it. While college isn’t for every student, higher education is. There are a lot of different forms of higher ed to choose from. It is important to do your research so that you can determine the right path for you. Once you understand yourself and what careers would fit your particular skills, you can better prepare for the journey to that degree or certificate. And as an Arkansas student, you have access to resources that will help you complete your goals.

How can they determine a path that’s right for them?
If you are totally clueless about what it is you may want to do in terms of a career, that’s OK! By joining various clubs and organizations while in high school, you might just find your niche. That’s how I decided that business was the field for me, by joining Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at my high school. Taking online tests and quizzes can also help you to figure out your strengths and weaknesses, and therefore determine a career path for you.

What about the cost of pursuing higher ed?
I truly believe that if there is a will, there is a way! There are millions of dollars in scholarship assistance available to Arkansas students who qualify, and it’s important to be aware of these deadlines when you are looking to apply. Also, work-study programs are a great opportunity for students to work their way through school.

What does your path look like, Ashton?
After my year as Miss Arkansas, I will go back to the University of Arkansas and complete my bachelor’s degree in business management. I will then go on to complete a dual master’s degree in business administration and political science. My ambition is to work for a corporate business in human resources, and to advocate for that business as a lobbyist.

Follow Ashton throughout the year at Facebook.com/MissArkansas2014!