meet mary beth propes
Mary Beth Propes is rising leader currently excelling at Union University. A natural writer and strong communicator of ideas, she works with Jackson Grown Leader Fellows as a Skills Coach to craft clear, effective articles for publication on the Jackson Grown Blog embedded with the Our Jackson Home website. She serves as a a Student Assistant with Institutional Advancement at Union University.
“While it may be easy to trivialize the details of a community you have experienced for so many years, look at it with new eyes and invest in the place you have chosen to live.”
What’s your favorite book?
“The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene”
What’s your favorite song or type of music?
“Honey in the Rock by Brooke Ligertwood”
There’s a lot of movies out there, but if you had to pick one…what would it be?
“Pride and Prejudice”
You’ve spent a lot of time in Jackson. What are some of your favorite memories?
“While I didn't grow up in Jackson, I was able to come here for college which were very formative years in my life. From studying at Union University to enjoying the farmer's market to trying local restaurants, Jackson has been a place where I can grow and start my adult life.”
Who would you say is the most inspirational person you’ve ever met?
“To persevere in the face of challenges is something that requires intense courage and I have always found it inspiring. My grandmother is the picture of a woman who confronts life's challenges courageously and with immense spirit. To hear her story and see her now is immensely inspirational.”
Life is an adventure. What has been the greatest adventure you have had?
“I was able to take a trip to New York City with some of my classmates in college. Not only had I never flown on a plane, but I had never been to a city as large as New York. I saw so many unique places and people and was able to be in a place where so many cultures intersected. Taking in the sights and sounds of a city like New York reminded me of how important it was to celebrate each individual but to be grateful for community as well. It was both a physical and emotional adventure.”
What is a social cause or an issue in society that you are particularly passionate about?
“Literacy is something we take for granted so often and goes far beyond the ability to enjoy a book for pleasure. It provides us with agency and opportunities to grow in all areas of our lives.”
Though it might not look like it at fist glance, Jackson has some incredible stories to share. What has the community meant to you?
“As someone who joined the Jackson community through school only a couple years ago, I want to encourage others to be quick to open their community and share the special characteristics of Jackson. While it may be easy to trivialize the details of a community you have experienced for so many years, look at it with new eyes and invest in the place you have chosen to live. Being able to grow together makes the process so much more enjoyable and I am grateful to Jackson for the opportunities for connection and development it has shared.”