Take a moment to get to know Justin Roberts, Family Orientation Coordinator for the Parent & Family Program. Justin is a valuable part of the New Student & Family Program office. He assists with the planning and execution of Family Weekend, programming for family members during SOAR, and will be an integral part of The Ursa Experience: Maroon & White Overnight, an engagement camp for new students entering Missouri State in the fall of 2015. Justin is a great resource for parents. He offers the student’s perspective in a way that is funny and entertaining.
1) Tell us about yourself. I am a junior, double majoring in Philosophy and Organizational Communication. I’m from Frisco Texas and have one sister. She’s finishing up her Master’s program at Stephen F. Austin University.
2) What organizations are you involved with? For one, I am the Family Orientation Coordination for New Student & Family Programs and SOAR. I was a SOAR Leader for 2014. I am also the President of Theta Chi Fraternity. Beginning in the Spring of 2015, I will be the campaign manager for a SGA ticket running for Student Body President and Vice President.
3) What advice do you have for parents to help support their student? I would advise parents to stay in touch with their student but to let the student control the communication. You do not want to overdo the communication and overwhelm the student. Let them reach out to you and it will be much better. Send care packages too! We love getting free stuff and gifts randomly.
4) What’s your favorite MSU tradition? My favorite tradition is Bear Bash during Welcome Weekend. Being the weekend before school starts, the students finally meet up for the first time of the school year. Whether it’s seeing old faces or meeting new ones, it is an amazing atmosphere.
5) What is your best advice for students that parents can share with them? I believe parents and families should stress to their students to “build yourself, not your resume.” I strongly believe that the college experience is not only about academics, but that it is also about growing as a person. This can be done through joining groups and organizations, but should be done for the right reasons. It is not about making yourself look good on a piece of paper. Rather, it should be about growing and leaning to make yourself better and more well-rounded.
Look for Justin to be answering questions from parents about the college experience from the student’s point of view. If you have a question for Justin, send it to familyassociation@missouristate.edu.