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Auburn senior Julia Herrin: From Miss South Carolina to law school at the University of South Carolina

Julia Herrin's path from a small town in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to the spotlight as Miss South Carolina 2021 and now to the University of South Carolina law school was built from confidence, ambition and unwavering determination.

As a fifth-year senior at Auburn University majoring in both communication and music, Herrin's combination reflects her different goals.

"I've been playing the piano since I was six, and it's always been a huge part of my life," Herrin said. "When I also discovered a passion for law in eighth grade through a mock trial, I knew I needed a major that wouldn't confine me. Communication was perfect because it builds skills essential for law, like public speaking and connecting with diverse audiences."

Her time at Auburn wasn't just about academics. The large campus but small class size environment was a major change from her homeschooling experience.

"Auburn pushed me both academically and personally. I wasn't the same person when I started. I learned to invest deeply in relationships with professors, classmates and community members and that's been valuable," Herrin said. "I fell in love with Auburn in the 10th grade. The day I toured the campus I knew I had found my family."

Herrin's pageant experience further honed her leadership and communication abilities. Winning Miss South Carolina the summer after her freshman year was a surprise twist in her planned-out life. She never imagined winning, especially as the competition's youngest winner in more than 20 years.

"The skills I've built here at Auburn — from rigorous academics to the discipline of music and the challenges of pageantry — have all prepared me for this next chapter."

Julia Herrin

Herrin made many appearances and faced challenges that demanded maturity and the ability to think on her feet. One of Herrin's most memorable moments came during a visit to a rehabilitation facility for expectant and new mothers. Arriving early for an event without knowing she was expected to speak, Herrin found herself with just ten minutes to prepare for an hour-long presentation.

"About 20 minutes into my speech, I realized that what I normally said wasn't connecting with these women," Herrin said. "Then I saw a piano in the corner of the room and asked if I could play some music. When I started playing, they began to sing along and even shed tears. Some of those women had not heard music like that in a while. It was a beautiful moment that showed me that music is a universal language."

Her pageant responsibilities not only strengthened her public speaking skills but also deepened her commitment to community service. Herrin's work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is based in Columbia, South Carolina, is meaningful to her.

"The experience in Columbia not only made me fall in love with the city but also affirmed my commitment to using my platform to protect vulnerable communities," she said.

Looking forward, Herrin's ambitions extend beyond Auburn. Recently accepted into law school at the University of South Carolina, she is eager to continue her journey into the legal world.

"Law has always intrigued me because it's a tool for making real, tangible change," she noted. "The skills I've built here at Auburn — from rigorous academics to the discipline of music and the challenges of pageantry — have all prepared me for this next chapter."

In addition to her academic and career pursuits, Herrin's college years were also impacted by her active involvement in campus life. Serving as vice president of philanthropy for her sorority, participating in the Pre-Law Honor Society, and engaging in various musical ensembles, she managed to balance a demanding schedule with grace and commitment.

As she prepares to transition from Auburn to the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Herrin remains grounded in the values that have guided her journey. Her story underscores the power of following one's passion, embracing unexpected opportunities and understanding that success is built on relationships and resilience.

"What you give to Auburn will give back to you. Invest in relationships — whether with professors, peers or your community. You can't do it all alone, and those connections will support you long after you leave college," Herrin said. "The habits you build in college are the foundation for the rest of your life."

Tags: Music Communication and Journalism Students