Sean Mullen graduated from Mississippi State University on April 28. The rest of his life is still unwritten.
At 24, Mullen is a bachelor and keeping his career options flexible.
This time next year, Mullen, who lives in Columbus, might be halfway across the country, or he may be coaching 7- to 12-year olds on the football field.
Mullen, a 2004 Columbus High graduate, earned a bachelor”s of science degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in kinesiology and sociology. (His younger sister, Caprisha Mullen, graduated from East Mississippi Community College-Mayhew, earlier this month.)
Since graduation, Mullen has been focused on coaching girls” basketball at Southside Missionary Baptist Church and the Columbus Ravens, a part of the Northeast Youth Football Association. He”s making plans to return to AmeriCorps, where he found a renewed passion for mentoring youth.
What are you planning to do with your degree?
I am planning on working for a nonprofit organization. I interned with AmeriCorps, and I plan on going back as a staff member.
What did you do with AmeriCorps?
I worked with a group called City Year Louisiana (in Baton Rouge). It unites diverse 17- through 24-year-olds for a year of community service.
What kind of community service?
We service at an elementary school while I was a full-time tutor and conducted an after-school program aimed toward academics and community service.
How did you get involved?
I needed a break from college (after two years), and I love children. So I searched online, and I found this program.
What did you take away from the experience?
I saw the importance of people giving back to the community and giving back to the youth, because everyone is not as fortunate as I was. And kids really need to see a positive role model that doesn”t look like their parents.
How many people were in the group?
About 50.
Do you still keep in touch with any of them?
Yes. I made a few lifelong friends.
What was your major before AmeriCorps?
Before I went there, my major was engineering. I changed it because I didn”t have a passion for it … I really have a passion for working with youth, things such as coaching teaching.
So are you going back to Baton Rouge?
No; City Year has other sites across the nation. I”m still figuring out where I want to go. Right now, Miami, New York and Little Rock — those are my top choices.
Why those cities?
I always wanted to live in Miami. And New York, because I spent some time there, and I liked it. Little Rock, because it”s one of the closest (City Year sites). I either want to go really far away (from home) or stay close by. And who knows. I may stay here and coach my team. I”m also head of the media ministry at Southside (MB Church).
So you”re a bachelor. Are you currently looking for Mrs. Right?
No, not at all … I”m focused on my career goals, and that”s about it.
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