Take a moment to meet Kayla Andres, the New Student & Family Program new student employee! We are excited to have Kayla on our team! Be on the look-out for her bi-weekly blog.
Tell us about yourself. Hello! My name is Kayla Andres. I’m from Montgomery City, MO. I am a first generation student and a transfer student as well. For the last two years, I attended school at Missouri State University-West Plains (GO GRIZZLIES!) and I just recently graduated with my Associate of Arts in Teaching in May of 2018. I absolutely loved my time at Missouri State University-West Plains, and I am excited to make my personal statement here at Missouri State University as I am pursuing my degree in Elementary Education. Aside from school, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I have two younger siblings, and they are my world! Outside of school, you can always find me attending one of their sporting events, hanging out with friends, or eating ice cream!
As a transfer student, what has helped you the most as you have transitioned to Missouri State (give some details, if possible)? What were you/are you most nervous about as a transfer student? Transferring from Missouri State University-West Plains to the main Missouri State campus made me very nervous. The fear of starting all over and attending a new university was absolutely nerve-wracking. What personally helped me was connections. I encourage everyone to make connections. They have helped bring me towards countless opportunities that I wouldn’t have previously had. I met many individuals along the way at Missouri State University-West Plains that have helped me make those connections at Missouri State before even arriving on campus. After making the connections, reaching out and making the commitment to Missouri State, my nerves were at ease. After I reached out, I went to a VIP Transfer Day for just my degree and made myself known before entering Missouri State, all because of the connections I have made. I encourage all students to find those connections and be able to utilize them. Just like I said before, those connections will lead you to endless opportunities!
You took part in Bear Bash. How was that experience? Did it help you to feel comfortable and excited about your decision to attend Missouri State? Tell us about the experience from a transfer student’s point of view, if you can. Yes, I took part in Bear Bash! Looking back, it’s an experience I will never forget. Attending Bear Bash, especially with it being the weekend before school starts, and attending all of the Welcome Weekend events, my eyes were opened. I saw thousands of students coming together to celebrate being a returning bear or becoming a new bear. It’s an event for all students to enjoy, from decorating cookies, being one of the lucky first 1,000 students to receive a free t-shirt, watching the hypnotist show, and many more. I have personally never seen so many students on campus before! I did not get nervous, but I came to realize that every student at Bear Bash was happy to be a bear and came together to celebrate as a whole student body the beginning of the fall semester.
You were very involved at MSU – West Plains. Can you tell us why you think it is important for students to get involved on campus? How are you getting involved at Missouri State? While attending Missouri State University-West Plains, I had the privilege of being involved in many organizations and leaderships positions on campus that lead me to be a better leader. Get involved on campus! You might say it’s not for you, but I promise there is an organization for anyone’s interest, especially since Missouri State University has over 365 organizations. I am personally getting involved on the Missouri State University campus through being a member of Christian Campus House (CCH), Student Alumni Association (SAA), Student Activities Council (SAC) Public Affairs committee, and working for New Students and Family Programming. Getting involved on campus helps create new friendships and connections within the faculty and staff members of the university. Joining either an organization allows your personal skills and development to grow beyond what you think you are capable of accomplishing, while being able to find your passion and interest on campus.
What advice would you give to student about making the most of their college experience? The advice I would give any student, whether a prospective student, non-traditional student, or transfer student, is to not let fear get in your way. College can seem scary, especially going to a new school or making new friends, but in the end, it will be rewarding. Make the most out of your college experience because if it’s just going to school for two years or four years, it will go faster than you think. Get involved or try something new! Get out of your comfort zone. You will never know; it can lead to new friendships, new connections, and lastly, making a lifetime of unforgettable memories. That is why you should not let fear define you! College will be hard! It will seem as if homework never ends, and you’ll never find a parking spot to make it to class on time. Everyone at college is in the same boat, and that’s making new friends, getting their degree, and making the most of their college experience. Say hi to an new individual that you have never met, introduce yourself, and lastly, do not let fear get in the way! Stand tall and strong because you are capable of accomplishing anything that you put your mind to!
What’s the best piece of advice that you got when you started college? The best advice that I got when starting college was to “not bite off more than you can chew.” It seems silly, but it is very true. It can be easy to get overly-involved and take on much more than it seems expected at the time. Use time management wisely, and be sure to look into clubs or organizations before just signing up.
What was the last book you read and would you recommend it to others? Why or why not? The last book I have read that would be enjoyable for others to read from all ages was “The Little Engine That Could.” I read this book over the summer, and even though it may be a children’s book, its message can apply to everyone!
What are your goals for your first year at Missouri State? My personal goals for my first year at Missouri State are continuing to strive towards my academic success. School comes first, and I have always been passionate about school and the grades I made along the way. I want to continue being in good academic standing through making the Dean’s list along with continuing to strive towards making new connections, learning new traditions, and staying involved on campus.