Student Journals

I’ve got sprit yes I do, I’ve got sprit how about you!? This is February and that means that Red Carpet Days are in full swing. Every Friday of this month, the Student Ambassadors and faculty and staff will be hosting prospective students as they get to have a day full of fun, information, and pizza. At a Red Carpet Day, students get to hear first-hand accounts from the student ambassadors about MSU-West Plains. In addition, all the students have the opportunity to speak with faculty from each degree program offered.  And they get to take a walking tour of the campus and get to actually see where they would be taking classes. To finish off the day, pizza is served at the brand new student recreation center. Red Carpet Day is a great way to see if Missouri State University-West Plains is the right fit to further your education.

Last night the Grizzly basketball team pulled off another fantastic win. The student section was full and we brought our loud voices and game day faces; oh, and some of the boys even wore wigs. We cheered loud and the Grizzlies lit up the score boards. As always, the Grizzly Cheer Team kept the crowd enthused and performed amazing stunts. This Saturday we will be loading up on a charter bus and making the two hour journey to Poplar Bluff to play our basketball rivals, Three Rivers Community College. I am looking forward to an exciting game and to watch a little friendly competition.

Well friends, as my title says, school spirit is in the air and Grizzly fever is catching on. The only question is do you want to be a Grizzly? Come to Red Carpet Day to find out how!

We are in the middle of the primary races and Mitt Romney has been seen as the front runner. Knowing this, I just sort of assumed Romney would win the elections held yesterday; however, I was very wrong. This morning as I dragged myself out of bed and turned on the Today Show I was shocked to see that Rick Santorum won Missouri, Colorado, and Minnesota. Throughout the whole primary race, Santorum was seen as the underdog. So the question is how did he win?

All three of these states are considered to be conservative. Santorum is the most conservative of the candidates, so this might explain why. Living in southern Missouri I am aware that I live in a predominately conservative region, but there is several colleges that exist within the state. Most college students tend to possess more liberal ideas therefore there is still a few pieces missing in this result. I’m not sure if many of you know, but the Missouri elections did not even count yesterday and the real primary election will take place in March. Some of the people that did know this opted out of voting yesterday. Also Newt Gingrich was not registered on the Missouri ballot, so the race was between the most liberal Republican candidate and the most conservative Republican candidate. Lastly regarding Missouri, I heard Santorum referred to as “The Conservative Obama.” In the 2008 presidential elections Barack Obama won Missouri, which was a little shocking due to the conservative tendency that exists in parts of the state. Santorum could be seen as the “Hope” and “Change” candidate of the Republicans that could bring the same amount of positive energy as Obama did in 2008.

No matter what political opinions you have, it is important to be aware of what is taking place in this election, which will ultimately affect the rest of your life. As Gingrich hopes to win the southern states and Santorum the conservative states, Romney will definitely have to keep fighting for the Republican presidential candidate. As a college student who hopes to go into the field of International Relations, I can honestly not wait to see what unfolds and I hope all of you feel the same eagerness.

Okay so I’m new at this whole “blog” thing, but I pretty much know how it works. I’m supposed to write grand words of wisdom about life as a college student and to encourage you to get involved in college life or other aspects of the university. Frankly, that sounds lame and boring so I am going to tell you about college from my perspective.

I’m a 2010 graduate from West Plains High School and a sophomore at Missouri State University-West Plains. I have seen a lot of cool and crazy things while I have been in college. I was fortunate enough to be selected to be a part of the Fall 2011 China Internship Program where I got to live in Dalian, China for 4 months, while tutoring and taking classes on the MSU-WP campus.

China was fantastic! Living in a foreign country was an amazing adventure that is really a once in a lifetime opportunity, mainly because it was free!!!!! All my scholarships and A+ money paid for my living expenses and schooling on campus and the university even paid for the air travel from here to there and there to here! I was really amazed by how accessible China was through our little campus in West Plains.

It’s good to be back in the Ole’ USA though. Get to go back to classes here in West Plains and chill with my homies ( I don’t actually say homies, I just like to see the little, red squiggle lines drawn under the word by Microsoft because it refuses to accept it as a word). Missouri State University-West Plains is a pretty awesome place, I mean, I went to China and survived…..for free!

“Our Vote,” creative isn’t it?  This phrase has been going through my mind regarding the youth participation in elections.  Yesterday afternoon I had the privilege of participating in a conference call through the Institute of Political Journalism discussing the 2012 Elections.  The guest speakers were Richard Benedetto and Jessica Taylor, two of the most prestigious people in the D.C. journalism world.  While this was taking place I learned a lot of information regarding the elections.  I am grateful for this opportunity, but shouldn’t every college student know what is politically going on in the world?

When talking to people my age about the elections I get the sense that they feel as if their vote doesn’t count.  In a small town community, such as West Plains, there is definitely the unwritten code that the elders are on the top of the hierarchy.  If you look at a bigger picture though you will be able to see that the youth has the ability to make an impact.  In the 2008 Presidential Elections people between the age of 18 and 29 were responsible for 66% of Barack Obama’s votes.  Right now this same age group is giving President Obama a job approval rate of 52%.  I know a lot of you might be thinking, “Well obviously they don’t need my help then.”  This is where you are wrong.  Many political races have come so close that recounts were granted, including the recent Iowa Caucuses.

If any of you have been keeping up with the Primary race then you will notice that the candidates have been paying little attention to the youth vote  I am not exactly sure why; however, historically it has been this way.  As the Republican presidential candidate is determined and the all-out war between him and current President, Barack Obama, starts there will be more focus on the youth vote.  It is our responsibility to see all sides of the candidates’ views and be politically active.

I have greatly focused on the Presidential Elections but we must not forget that school, senate, and representative votes are just as important.  If you are a Missouri resident and are at least 18 years old remember to register to vote before February 7, the day of the Presidential Preference Primary.  Please join me in spreading the word around our campuses about the elections and educating our generation that our vote counts.

Well friends, I am back. Yes, I know you are so excited that I am back and am ready to update you on the happenings of West Plains. I had a wonderful Christmas break and got to spend time with friends and loved ones. I moved back to the residence hall on Sunday and got to enjoy the holiday on Monday and am now hitting the books again. I am happy to say that I think I am going to enjoy all of my classes and I think they will be bother fascinating and challenging. I already have several papers to write and textbook chapters to read. When I am not studying I am attending events on campus. Last night the Grizzlies had a game. They played Indian Hills and they were really good. However, they were no match for our boys and we stepped it up and played awesome. To top it off the band from Missouri State-Springfield came down to support the Grizzlies and that added to the excitement of the game. To make a long story short the boys won by about ten points and we the fans along with the band and ball players enjoyed pizza and cookies after the game was over with. I am looking forward to this weekend because on Friday night the play “Puss and Boots” will be coming to the civic center stage. To top off an already exciting weekend, on Saturday night we are having homecoming! I can’t wait to see all the girls get all glammed up and look beautiful in their dresses. I know the boys will pull off a win and we will all celebrate. Well, you are now up-to-date with my world and the world of West Plains. Oh, remember that Red Carpet Days are starting in February and you want to get registered so you can attend. It is a great way to see the campus and meet many people. Also, you get free pizza. Can’t beat that!

Hola (Hi), journal readers!

It was so nice to get to visit my Mexican familia (family) over Christmas break. Mom cried when I left, but I think it’s mostly because I’m an only child. I was a little sad to leave her too, but I think it’s mostly because she’s my only madre (mom).

Regardless, it’s time to start a nuevo (new) semester!

The Grizzlies have been rocking the basketball season by winning their last two home juegos (games) against Indian Hills—ranked SECOND in the nation—and Three Rivers—our big time rivals.
The games were definite nail biters! We were off to a rough start in both of the first halves, but thankfully, we pulled through in the segunda (second) halves!

Although the Grizzly boys did a terrific job on the court, what made the game so cool weren’t just the teams playing but also the crowd! I’m pretty sure the crowd played a huge role in the two victories. The fans were yelling, jumping, clapping, and shaking their noise makers just about any chance they got!

It was awesome seeing all the fans rise to their feet with only a minute left in eager anticipation of the final buzzer. It reminded me how blessed we are to live in such a tight comunidad (community) willing to unite for one noche (night) under one cause—the Grizzlies’ victory!!!!

So you bring your voice, and I’ll bring my tambourine because it’s going down next home game!

D.C. Experience E-mail Version

Have you ever walked through West Plains admiring the diverse people, large extravagant buildings, and unique shops? I am guessing not. Now don’t get me wrong, West Plains is a great small town community, but the more places I visit the less I see myself living here forever.

On Sunday I set out on a voyage from Missouri to Virginia to visit my dad and brother for ten days. Their house is located between Washington, D.C., Fredericksburg, and Maryland. This allows us to visit several different places. Yesterday we went to D.C. and as we entered the outskirts I was excited to be immersed into a big city.

As I hopped onto the metro, I realized this was an experience in itself. There were a variety of people amongst us. Men in business suits, women with their children, people getting off of planes, families communicating in different languages, were all in the seats surrounding me. With all the diversity, I felt open to self-expression.

When we stepped out of the metro station, which I must admit was pretty clean, I was shocked by the stinging wind and cold temperatures, but I wasn’t going to let that hold me back. Just when by entering the Capitol building, I felt like I was amidst one of the greatest places in our country. I stepped where President Obama once stepped, I was surrounded by exquisite architecture, I was thankful for our freedom when passing where the unknown soldiers ceremonies were held, and I was once again surrounded by people from all over the world, including Sweden, Berlin, Beijing, and Puerto Rico.

Next we walked down the hill to the National Botanical Garden. This gigantic greenhouse was separated into different sections such as dessert, forest, Hawaii, and tropical. Each of these rooms had different temperatures and was filled with whimsical diverse plants.

Then we headed to the National Art Gallery for lunch and to take in some of the most magnificent artistic creations. When I saw one of Da Vinci’s masterpieces I couldn’t help but feel excited that I was a foot away from one of the greatest artworks that exists. We spent over an hour at the gallery and just barely scraped the surface.

We made a quick stop at the National Archive’s Rotunda to see the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. When there is only glass separating you and the original copies that outlined America, you can’t help but feel like you are a part of history.

As we boarded the metro back and I watched the scenery go by I began to imagine what the world has in store for me. My mind went every direction but in every way I saw myself in a bigger city filled with big dreams.

No matter where you live whether big or small, appreciate your community and remember with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Just wanted to check in with everyone and say that the semester is finally over with. I survived my first semester of college and am happy to report that I could not have been more thrilled with how it has turned out. I have met so many people, been to so many events on campus, and have had the most fun I have ever had in school.

I was scared to death to come to college, but luckily I picked Missouri State-West Plains. The school and town has been nothing but kind to me and the school has given me so many opportunities that I am grateful for. I was able to get a job on campus as a Corps of Opportunity worker and it has been a blessing to me in that I get a pay check and I get to learn a great deal about the campus by working for the school.

I have been in the Darr Honors Program as well. The program is taught by Dennis Lancaster and I have enjoyed that class because it has challenged me to broaden my mind and has taught me how to think deeper. I also have thoroughly enjoyed my classmates. They are a group of highly educated students that are serious about their futures and I enjoy being around students like them.

Since I live in the residence hall it has given me an opportunity to meet many people and to also hang out with them. I have great room mates and our RA’s and student life coordinator really care about us.

I know this all sounds too good to be true and that my life is just sunshine and daisies but really I am so thankful to be here. To give you an example, the other day I was driving to Wal-Mart and got a nail in my tire. I panicked because I am a girl and have no clue when it comes to mechanical stuff. To make a long story short I made it back to the dorms and Rogers Taylor, our student life and development coordinator, told me not to worry and that he would help me get my tire fixed the next day. He took time out of his weekend to help me with my tire. My awful situation was looking brighter. Then he helped me apply for an emergency grant to pay for my tire. The school approved the grant and Missouri State-West Plains bought me a new tire. Now, if that doesn’t show how much they care about the students and our success and well being I don’t know what would……

Anyway, I am all done with finals and am leaving to go home to spend Christmas with my family. Many blessing in my life!  Happy holidays and I will see you all next year!

Also, think about getting registered for Red Carpet Days in February so you can check out the campus. Bye all!

As the semester is ending and finals are winding down I can’t help but be excited for the month long break that is approaching.  Now I will probably spend way too much time on Facebook and mindlessly watching MTV, but I will also remember what this time of year means to me in conventional and unconventional ways.

Now I will not try to push my religious views on anyone but I do believe that this time of year is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ.  I will do this by being a compassionate person and trying to show the love and forgiveness God has for me as well as everyone else.

As this month break approaches I will be celebrating the hard work that I have done this semester.  At Missouri State University – West Plains I am given all the opportunities to succeed but I have to put forth a great amount of effort to do my best in all of my classes.  I will reward myself by watching endless amounts of cheesy Christmas movies while sitting in my comfy pajamas and drinking hot chocolate.

I have been blessed with such a wonderful family and I believe that celebrating this is essential.  I will do so by spending nights playing Pitch, a card game, when my Dad and brother are in and ignoring their attempt to rap.  I will take a drive with my mom to look at Christmas lights.  A trip to Springfield with my best friend, who is kind of like a sister, is also in order for last minute gift shopping.

I am thankful for many things in my life and this time of year always seems to bring up these feelings.  I hope everyone enjoys their break as much as I know I will and remember to be safe, smart, and civil to those slightly pesky relatives!!!