I apologize in advance for the nostalgia-filled blogs that are perpetually going to make their way in the not-so-distant future. Today’s blog will encapsulate the baby bear I was, the college bear I am and the adult bear I hope soon to be. For complete transparency, this topic was decided on for two main purposes. First of all, in the midst of my senior year I consistently find myself reflecting on my time I have had at Missouri State and what better way to sift through the memories than to place pen to paper? (Or in this case, fingers to keyboard) The second reason is because, like most of my advice, I like to use myself as an example for younger individuals to either be inspired, stay motivated or learn from my mistakes.
I feel like through the four years I have been a college student, Missouri State’s developments have paralleled my own. When graduating high school all I knew for sure was that I was going to get a higher education and attend college. I hadn’t the slightest idea “what I wanted to be when I grew up”, let alone what area to study in. For financial reasons, my family outlined the state of Missouri and declared that the guidelines for where to attend. I visited a plethora of schools and it was not until I stepped foot on Missouri State’s campus that I knew it was where I wanted to be. It sounds cheesy, but throughout the campus tour I could actually see myself as a student here. Walking to class, eating in the dining center, hanging out in the student union…something just felt right. These feelings were further solidified as my time as an official bear started.
Being the perpetually undecided and most indecisive individual known to man, I started strong with my general education courses, intentionally selecting classes I had interests in. At this time, the University’s slogan was “Follow Your Passion, Find Your Place”, and that is exactly what Missouri State helped me do. Through taking classes, meeting students from all over, interacting with faculty and staff, I found what my true passion was and I followed it. Now in my senior year in the BFA Photography program, I am starting to find my place with that passion. As some of you may know, Missouri State did change their branding and altered their slogan to “Make Your Missouri STATEment”. This change eerily seemed to parallel my academic path as well. I had found my passion, followed it and now Missouri State was becoming a catalyst to insure I do something great with what I love.
So maybe this was all just ramblings of a senior year college student trying to make sense of the last four years. Or maybe it can be encouragement to those just starting their college career to know that things will come together. With a little hard work and your heart in the right place, your years in college will be ones to remember and will lead you to even more spectacular experiences once you get that diploma.
Keep your face toward the sunshine, Bears! That way, all the shadows fall behind you.
Your Pal,
Zoë
P.S. I hope you enjoy my throwback photo of lil’ Freshmen me when I had my first ever photo with Boomer! 🙂