Mary Beth Dixon

             
Mary Beth Dixon is an 18-year-old first-year student who was born and raised in North Little Rock, Arkansas.  She is a member of the Pace University equestrian team, just one of the reasons why she chose Pace.  “I chose Pace because it is centrally located between Brewster, New York the barn where I ride is, and New York City,” she says.  Mary Beth also remembered the students around campus being very friendly and open-minded, setting a vibe that welcomed her.

So far she’s enjoying Pace very much.   “I really have enjoyed meeting all different kinds of people.   Arkansas doesn't really have the diversity you see in New York.”  She is also taking advantage of what Pace has to offer her by taking interesting Honors classes and joining several clubs.  “My Honors classes are going really well so far.  My favorite professors are Dr. Keegan and Dr. Hundersmarck.  They both really enjoy teaching which helps me to learn.”  She is also on Hall Council for Dow Hall where she resides.

Mary Beth’s main focus, other than academics, is the equestrian team.  She competes with the team nearly every weekend against approximately 13 other schools with equestrian teams.  “The team is doing really well.  I believe we are in second overall behind Centenary,” she said.  She’s been riding since she was five and owns her own horse.  She is very close with the 13 girls on the team.  “We are definitely one big family which is really nice to have when I am so far away from home.”  Mary Beth left her three siblings at home, as well as a huge extended family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  “I love it there,” she says.  “All the crawfish and Cajun food is amazing.  My mouth is watering thinking about it.”

New York is nothing like Arkansas.  “There really are so many differences that I can’t pinpoint just one.  The food is different, the people, housing, the university, the drivers,” Mary Beth says.  Having the city so close is also something different for Mary Beth, who has a cousin who lives in Greenwich Village.  “Most of my trips to the city have been rushed and I would really like to take one where I can have the time to explore.”