Welcome to our latest blog post, highlighting the exciting events and student achievements from January and February. From workshops to community-building activities, these months have been full of growth and connection. Read on for a look at how Access and Success Programs continue to support our students’ journeys! 

January Programming Highlights

First-Year Meeting on Imposter Syndrome: Dr. Leonard Horton, Assistant Professor of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film, taught students how to recognize and manage feelings of self-doubt, leaving them empowered to overcome imposter syndrome. 

Second-Year Meeting on Being an Informed Citizen: Students explored how to become engaged and responsible members of society, hearing from the following panel members:  

• Joan Gentry, League of Women Voters  
• Amos Bridges, Editor-in-Chief of News Leader  
• Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate, School of Health Care Professions and SPS School Board member  
• Dr. Suzanne Walker-Pacheco, Sociology and Anthropology and Paws to the Polls advisor   
• Grace Wasson, Paws to the Polls President   
• Kinli Miller, Paws to the Polls Graduate Assistant  

Virtual Foundation Scholarship Workshop: Current and future students learned tips for applying for scholarships through the Missouri State Foundation and were provided with resources for writing scholarship essays.  

February Programming Highlights 

Pal-entine’s Day: Students decorated cookies and celebrated their friendships with one another. 

Navigating LinkedIn and Handshake: Bears Lead partnered with Rebekkah Wall from the MSU Career Center to teach students how to best utilize online professional platforms.  

Men’s Basketball Game: Students attended the game together, showing their MSU spirit and enjoying a fun night out. Thank you to Duane Miller (Athletic Ticketing) and Danielle Richesin (Athletic Marketing & Promotions) for making this event possible!    

First-Year Meeting on Personal Statements: Students reflected on their values, goals, and various identities to piece together a representation of who they are.  

Second-Year Meeting on Renting: Students heard from local property management companies and Residence Life on key topics like lease agreements and budgeting for renting an apartment or house. Thank you to the following companies for participating: 

• Park East Apartments 
• Vue on Walnut  
• Valiant Group  
• Angela Strider, Missouri State Residence Life  
• Beacon Springfield  
• Bear Village   
• The 505 

 

Student Spotlights 

 

Ariah Cooper: Inducted into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority  

On February 1st, Ariah Cooper was inducted into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. This achievement is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to service. Ariah has worked hard to embody the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and community service, and we are thrilled to see her join such a prestigious organization.  

Emily Lehman: Art Exhibit at Brick City Gallery

Emily Lehman, a talented art student at Missouri State, had three of her art pieces displayed at the Brick City Gallery during the First Friday Art Walk on February 7th. Emily’s work demonstrates her creativity and passion. Being selected for this exhibit is an impressive achievement, and we are excited to see where her artistic journey will take her in the future. 

Harmony Rose Vodicka: Chief Editor of Logos

We are proud of Harmony Rose Vodicka for serving as the Copy Editor for Logos, MSU’s undergraduate research journal, for the fall 2024 semester. She was such an excellent contributor to the journal that she’s serving as the Chief Editor this semester. Check out her work in the fall 2024 volume.  

Giving Day

Eager to support the work of Access and Success’s Bears Lead program? You can support our programming through MSU’s annual Giving Day, March 25-26. 

Giving Day is an exciting opportunity for MSU’s community to come together and support the transformative programs that empower our students. Your generous donations will directly impact the growth of Bears Lead, helping to fund scholarships, workshops, and initiatives that foster personal and academic success. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. 

Stay tuned for more information about this opportunity. We hope you will join us in making a lasting impact on the future of our student leaders! 

Join the Access and Success Programs Community 

Whether you are a campus or community partner, current or former Bears Lead student, or simply interested in learning more about Access and Success Programs, we invite you to join our community. Together, we are committed to empowering students, celebrating achievements, and creating pathways to success. Sign up for our blog for monthly updates on Access and Success Programs.   

We’re Social! 

For more frequent updates, success stories, and opportunities to get involved, stay connected with Bears Lead on social media.   

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