Take a moment to get to know Grace Walker, one of two 2018-2019 student orientation specialists in the Office of New Student & Family Programs.
Tell us about yourself. Major, hometown, future goals, etc. My name is Grace Walker and I am a senior from Saint Louis, Missouri! For those who automatically think, ‘what high school?’ I am a proud graduate of Marquette High School in Chesterfield (go Mustangs!). My major is Socio-Political Communication, and I want to continue my education by pursuing law school. I plan on moving to the East Coast to study law. I’m looking at Boston, NYC, or DC- one of my goals is to live alone in a massive, fast-paced city full of culture and excitement! I hope to travel while I’m young, and see as much of the world as I can! I think learning about other cultures is so important- that is probably my biggest life goal.
Why do you think it’s important for student’s to get involved on campus? Getting involved on campus is one of the most vital decisions students can make on campus. Getting involved in any way (student ministries, campus employment, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Government Association) helps integrate students into the community that we have here. Getting involved gives students more opportunities to meet friends and administration on campus, which provides great relationships and networking. I have developed a great sense of pride for Missouri State due to my involvement because I have seen time and time again that this institution truly invests in student success. I have received job offers, leadership positions, and above all else, lasting relationships.
What organizations are you involved with? How have these organizations helped you at Missouri State? I am involved in Alpha Chi Omega, a national sorority on campus. I was a member of the Traditions Council Executive Board. I was a Title IX Student Government Association Commissioner. I was a two year SOAR Leader and now am an Orientation Assistant for New Student and Family Programs. I am a member of the Student Conduct Hearing Panel. I am a University Ambassador, and have served as the Retreat Coordinator for 2018. I served as the Public Relations Coordinator for the 2017 Homecoming Committee. I am also a member of the pre-law fraternity we have on campus, Phi Alpha Delta. These organizations have helped me develop skills such as leadership ability, organization, discipline, and critical thinking. I think that because of these organizations I live my life more ethically and focus more on my classes. When I am involved I notice my mental health is better, I have better grades, and I am more satisfied with my experience at Missouri State. I think my involvement has impacted my experience as a college student and as an individual, and the skills, relationships, and life lessons I have experienced will greatly benefit my future career and personal life.
You have been a SOAR leader. Why did you want to be a SOAR leader and what lessons did you learn? My dad encouraged me to apply to be a SOAR Leader. I was always interested in the position, initially because I thought it would be nice to show off what a great campus we have. I was already a University Ambassador, so I knew a lot about what campus had to offer. I also liked the appeal of SOAR Leaders- I knew the position was selective and wanted to try my hand at it. My love for the position really grew when I fully understood the impact that the SOAR program had not only on incoming students, but myself. SOAR has shown me how to take on the perspective of others in order to more fully serve people with different needs than me. SOAR has encouraged the public affairs mission to be more than just pillars, but values that I implement in my life. SOAR has taught me how to be a more individualized leader, discipline, and adaptability. I often say that SOAR has helped shape me into who I am today, and I am so grateful for the opportunities and life lessons I carry as a result of the program.
What advice do you have for family members to help them support their student? The biggest advice I can give to family members is to recognize that not only will your student be going through a major transition, but your relationship with your student will also be transitioning. Your student is no longer in high school and is going through their first long-term period of independence. Whether you also experienced college or going work for the first time, please try to be adaptable of your students new independent habits and coping techniques. The biggest point of conflict in my relationship with my family members was coming home and still being treated like I was in high school, and not being expected to maintain independence. This looks different for everyone, but having communication with your student about the difference in expectations that you both have for each other through this transition will make everything smoother and more cohesive.
What’s your favorite MSU tradition? My favorite tradition is hands down hanging out by the fountain. The fountain is my favorite part of campus, and I love studying at dusk by the fountain when I need a breath of fresh air, laying in the sun with my friends, or stopping by the fountain to admire it during an on campus jog. I think it is beautiful, and it will always remind me of the incredible things Missouri State has done for me. Additionally, I love attending May Day, the university’s oldest tradition. This is an event that Student Activities Council hosts every year before finals week in the spring, and serves as a de-stresser before finals starts! I also enjoy sampling Springfield’s many sweet treats like Andy’s, Hurts, and many more! It’s a great excuse to enjoy some sugar with friends.
What is your best advice for students as they start a new year at Missouri State? My best advice for students starting a new year, whether they are freshmen or seniors, is that they should make a list of goals that they want to achieve for that academic year, and then make a list of the habits you must follow in order to reach those goals. For example, if you want to get A’s on all of your ECO 155 tests, you would write on your list that you won’t skip more than two Economics classes, you’ll allot thirty minutes out of your day to study specifically for Economics, and you will keep in contact with your professor. I have found that establishing habits that set you up for success will increase your ability to reach your goals!
What is the best advice anyone gave you about going to college? The best piece of advice I was given is to take care of your mental and physical health. During high school I was always active through my sports and never experienced any mental health issues, so I never realized that I would have to consciously make an effort to keep myself healthy and well. Thankfully, Missouri State is equipped with several resources that makes caring for yourself extremely easy. We have the Foster Recreation Center, which offers health and wellness classes to learn more about nutrition and fitness. We also have the counseling center which offers eight free counseling sessions. Taking care of your mental and physical health will help you feel more alert, sharp, and happy!
If you could give your 18 year old self, advice what would it be? My advice to my 18 year old self would be that it is okay to dream big. For so long, I limited myself and forced myself to dream small in order to feel like I could attain my dreams. However, slowly but surely, I started achieving goals and dreams I never thought would actually come to fruition, like becoming a SOAR Leader, and Orientation Assistant, or going to law school out of the state! I wish that I hadn’t limited myself as a freshman. Now I know that the possibilities with my dreams are endless, and I just have to work hard and believe in myself. You can too!