By Caleb Youngblood, Public Relations Coordinator
September 17, 2026
My journey back to MSMS has been a little bit unexpected, but it feels like coming home. I graduated from MSMS in 2018 and went on to earn my degree in ACS Chemistry from Mississippi State University. After college, I worked at the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory in the Inorganics GCMS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) lab with Darren, Dr. Morgan’s husband. That connection allowed me to maintain my ties to MSMS even after graduation.
While working at MSCL, I began a master’s degree in the Art of Teaching. I eventually left the lab to teach chemistry at Columbus High School. After a year in the classroom, I decided to explore a different path and moved into the nonprofit sector, where I worked as the account manager for Illuminations Center for Dyslexia and as the youth coordinator for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Now, I find myself in my dream role at my favorite school. I’m serving as a substitute chemistry teacher at MSMS while Mrs. Paige Aiken is out on maternity leave. Although my time here is short, with Mrs. Aiken returning Oct. 7, it has been an incredible opportunity to return to my alma mater and reconnect with the school that played such an important role in shaping who I am.
MSMS has had a lasting impact on my life. My MSMS classmates are still my best friends, and Columbus feels more like home to me than anywhere else. I know I wouldn’t be a chemist today without the encouragement of my MSMS chemistry teacher, Kaye Truitt, who remains a dear friend and mentor. Being back on campus has given me a chance to appreciate just how much my time here continues to influence my life.
Outside of school, I’m married to my wonderful husband, Spencer, who has been my sweetheart since ninth grade (pre-MSMS). We have a dog named Lenny Bruce and are expecting our first child in January. In my spare time, I enjoy baking (because, after all, it’s really just kitchen chemistry), reading, and cooking.