Jaime Ross, Director of Adult Student Services, recently spoke with Missouri State University alumna Melvi Cifuentes Paul about her experiences at the University and what she’s doing post-graduation. Melvi graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Spanish.

Early Days

Melvi grew up in Noel, Missouri, and was heavily involved in sports and extracurriculars. She was part of the basketball and softball teams, and participated in both track and cheer. She also helped to form the Missouri Conservation Club chapter at her school. In high school, Melvi continued to cheer under the coaching of Tracy Allman. Under Allman, Melvi and her fellow cheerleaders participated in many cheer championships. In 2011, her team placed fifth at the UCA National Championship. These awards provided the potential for partial scholarships to cheer in college, which Melvi states, “is something I did not think possible before joining the team.” She began the recruitment process in her junior year of high school and decided to attend an out-of-state college, but life had other plans for Melvi.

Why Missouri State?

At 23 years of age, Melvi was a “nontraditional student” and was looking for a college or university that would help her through the admissions and enrollment processes. Admissions departments were also treating her as an international student, despite being a Missouri resident for tuition purposes. That’s when she came across MSU’s Adult Student Services. She scheduled an in-person meeting with a counselor who took the time to discuss enrollment, tuition, financial aid, and helped Melvi through the admissions process step-by-step. In the fall of 2015, Melvi attended her first semester at Missouri State.

Working three (sometimes four) jobs to get through college was no easy feat. Melvi says that the first year was the hardest, but found people and resources available to help.

“I am forever grateful for everyone involved in the Adult Student Services department. I am grateful for a university that fostered so much personal and professional growth.”

Melvi chose political science to learn more about the US and international political systems. “I thought that perhaps a political science degree would lend itself to a future law degree. I found the program fascinating and challenging.” In taking advantage of elective hours, Melvi enjoyed courses in religion, anthropology, and African American studies. “There were a few times when the content was so intriguing that I wondered what it would take to change my major,” she adds.

What was Your Favorite Part?

Melvi fondly remembers her time as an administrative student worker for Adult Student Services. She worked directly alongside the department she credits for helping her to begin her pursuit of higher education, but also assisted her in achieving her goal of graduating in three years. This work-study arrangement created an environment that allowed Melvi to focus on academics and establish transferable work skills at the same time. “Missouri State gave me the tools to thrive – beginning with having a department specifically dedicated to students who did not enroll right after graduating from high school.”

All Missouri State undergraduates are required to complete a public affairs capstone experience. Melvi’s favorite aspect of her degree was satisfying this capstone requirement with the volunteer work she did at the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAISES) in San Antonio, Texas. Melvi says, “I witnessed firsthand how politics and policies in place drastically affected local communities and people migrating into the U.S. I was able to put into practice both the knowledge from my major and minor to assist this NGO (nongovernmental agency) in achieving its mission.”

What’s Happened Since Graduation?

A common question for students is how they will use their degrees after graduation. After graduating from MSU in 2018, she pursued a law degree at the University of Lousiville Brandeis School of Law. She completed her degree in May 2021. Melvi found that embracing MSU’s Public Affairs Mission benefitted her as a student and a professional. By learning about the political atmosphere in the US and other countries, she’s able to understand the laws that impact us daily.

“Working in immigration law, cultural competence comes into play with every conversation you have with a client or prospective client. The world we live in and the experiences we have are vastly different so one has to be cognizant that their lived experiences carry equal value and truth. Ethical leadership involves a host of characteristics, but integrity and accountability to those you serve are some of the most important. You must be honest with people, even if it’s not the result they hoped for. Lastly, community engagement: whether that’s speaking to youth about their goals, or being involved and attending community events – showing up for your community matters.”

Final Thoughts

Melvi shared parting advice for future adult learners at Missouri State and those who feel that pursuing college after a break is daunting:

“No matter the amount of time that’s passed between your high school graduation and your enrollment in higher education, KEEP GOING. It may be tough and a bit discouraging, but you must believe in yourself. Time will continue to pass by so why not take action today towards accomplishing your goals.”

 

A special thank you to Melvi Cifuentes Paul for taking the time to talk about her experiences. We’re so proud of her and the work she’s done, and wish her the best!