Pitts is latest in long line of family members living in female dormitory
By AUSTIN MORTON, Senior Reporter
Northwestern student Mattie Pitts poses for a portrait in South Hall, where she lives, on Feb. 12. Pitts is carrying on a family tradition of living in the dorm. -Photo by Devyn Lansden
Imagine living in the same building as your great-grandmother.
Mattie Pitts is a fourth-generation Northwestern student, a freshman in elementary education and an advocate for dorm living.
Following in the footsteps of nearly every other woman in her family, Pitts wants to become a third or fourth grade teacher.
Pitts graduated from Waynoka, which is where she wants to teach.
This is also common among the women of her family, who eventually teach at the same school they graduated from.
She has helped with teaching in the past, and loves watching the reactions of the students she helps.
“Making an influence, and seeing their expressions is what makes me want to [teach],” Pitts said.
For Pitts, family plays a large role in many decisions she makes. Continuing her education at Northwestern was one of these decisions.
“Family inspires a lot of what I do,” Pitts said.
These family ties have kept Pitts rooted in northwest Oklahoma. She shows pigs, helps her sister show and even wants to help other kids be able to show as well.
When not showing, Pitts is either working at Bar S Outfitters, going to class or hanging out in the South Hall lobby with her friends.
South Hall has become a new home for Pitts.
Moving in as a freshman, Pitts was nervous about the transition.
Pitts said Alva people made the transition easier than she expected.
“Having dorm parents that acted as real parents helped a lot,” Pitts said. “Even my new roommate ended up becoming my best friend.”
Pitts and her friends play games, order food and watch television in the South Hall lobby. As a group, “Dance Moms” has been one of their favorite shows to watch.
Pitts continues to follow in the footsteps of the women in her family, and she said she enjoys her time as a student in South Hall.
“It did not feel like a home at first,” Pitts said. “But because of my friends, it has grown into a real home.”