Liliana Hewitt
Liliana Hewitt
B.A. English, Minor in Pre-Law, 2025
“Mississippi State University felt like home to me the moment I stepped on campus. My mom also attended MSU, so touring the university always felt meaningful from the start, but it was my own experience walking the campus and meeting the students that let me know it was the right place for me,” said Liliana Hewitt, a 2025 MSU graduate. “I could immediately picture myself growing, learning, and building a life in Starkville. MSU was also a perfect balance for me. It was close enough to home to feel supported, but still far enough to grow independence in undergrad. I chose the College of Arts & Sciences because I knew I wanted to major in English. Writing had always been a strength of mine, and the CAS gave the academic space for me to develop that skill further into a path towards the legal field.”
Several classes impacted Hewitt in a meaningful way, but Critical Writing and Research, along with Legal Writing, were the most influential. Critical Writing and Research, though challenging, taught her “resilience, perseverance and the importance of trusting myself through difficulty,” said Hewitt. Legal Writing reinforced those same lessons. While these classes played a crucial role in her academic life, the Montgomery Leadership Program gave her the opportunity to serve her community while also gaining personal and academic growth.
Kelly Marsh, Hewitt’s advisor and English professor, and Hannah Coleman, her mentor and leader of the College of Arts & Sciences Ambassadors program, greatly shaped the trajectory of her academic and professional journey.
“Dr. Marsh consistently challenged me to think critically, write with precision, and believe in my own potential. She wrote recommendation letters for nearly every opportunity I pursued, and her support never felt transactional––it always felt intentional and invested and you could tell she really loves and cares about her students.”
Regarding Coleman, Hewitt said, “She advocated for me in ways that extended beyond the classroom. She wrote recommendation letters, offered guidance whenever I needed it, and modeled leadership with both strength and kindness.”
Upon her graduation in 2025, Hewitt pursued her long-term goal of attending law school. She is currently a first-year law student at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. Her current focus is on intellectual property law, with an interest in protecting creative work, and advocating for innovators and artists. Since graduation, she has sought to refine her skills in research, advocacy, and strategic thinking, all of which, she said, were strengthened through her education in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Outside of law school, Hewitt prioritizes staying grounded in her faith, family, and community. Her relationship with Christ is central to who she is and guides how she navigates both challenges and successes. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and serving in her community. Some of her service includes volunteering at a local animal shelter, where she helps care for kittens. She also enjoys writing and drawing.
Hewitt remains connected to her Mississippi State community by maintaining close friendships she made during her time in college. They often plan visits or catch up when big events are happening on campus. She enjoys coming back to Starkville during football season for games as well as tailgating.
Hewitt’s advice to current MSU students is to, “trust the process of ‘becoming.’”
“There will be moments when you question your abilities, compare yourself to others, or feel behind, but growth never feels comfortable while it is happening. Lean into challenges instead of running from them, and don’t let temporary doubt define your long-term potential. And put yourself out there, even when it feels intimidating, because confidence is built through action. Most importantly, stay grounded in your values and your faith. When you remain anchored in who you are and who you are becoming, everything else starts to align” Hewitt said. “You are more capable than you think!”