Ole Miss Pharmacy Student Balances Rigorous Academics With Rebelettes Dance Team

The Early Entry Program in the School of Pharmacy offered her a direct path into healthcare while allowing her to continue dancing with the Ole Miss Rebelettes. For Gilmore, that balance was nonnegotiable.

“I’ve always been interested in medicine,” she said. “The pharmacist’s role within healthcare stood out to me as a place where I could thrive. What excites me most are the endless possibilities and the chance to learn something new every day.”

That curiosity led her to pharmacy school, where early experiences validated her decision. Gilmore said participating in Operation Immunization and administering flu vaccines during her first semester offered a firsthand glimpse of the impact she aims to make in her career.

At the same time, Gilmore remains a dedicated fourth-year member of the Rebelettes, a commitment that brings its own demanding schedule of practices, games and national competition season. A typical day includes classes, studying, rehearsals, and more studying after rehearsals. She describes the pace as rigorous but deeply fulfilling.

Balancing both commitments has required focus, discipline and a strong support system, but it has also earned her the admiration of her coach, Rachel Levetzow.

“I could speak about Mirenda for days and still not even begin to capture the type of person, teammate, dancer, and student she is,” Levetzow said. “As a fourth-year member of the Rebelettes and a student in the School of Pharmacy, the level of dedication, commitment and organization she demonstrates to be at her best in two demanding programs is truly remarkable.”

Levetzow noted that academic responsibilities sometimes overlap with rehearsals or game-day call times. With academics always the priority, Gilmore immediately found ways to adapt, whether that be staying after practice, coming in early or reviewing material independently to ensure she never fell behind.

“Mirenda wants to be at her best every day, and she’s not afraid to put in the extra work,” Levetzow said. “She isn’t afraid to work hard, and she will always find a way to exceed expectations.”

Gilmore credits her success to the encouragement of her family, mentors, classmates, and former Rebelettes who have also pursued pharmacy careers. Their examples, she said, proved that it is possible to excel in more than one passion at a time.

She also encourages students who share her interests to feel empowered to chase paths that may seem unrelated at first.

“Don’t limit yourself,” she advises. “You can really do anything that you set your mind to.”