Tell us about yourself. I am a senior from Blue Springs, MO right outside of Kansas City. I am studying journalism with a minor in pop culture. I’ve been actively involved in SGA, a social fraternity, and University Ambassadors! I was also on the 2019 Homecoming Court and serve as a Peer Leader for First Year Programs. My career aspirations are to work in entertainment news as a broadcast journalist. Basically, I want to be the next Ryan Seacrest!
How did you get involved in the Student Government Association? Why was it important to you? I became involved with Student Government Association my freshman following welcome weekend! It was important to me because I didn’t feel like I was super involved in high school. I wanted a big change for myself in college. It was a way to push myself out of my comfort zone and explore an area of student life that I wasn’t 100% sure of but definitely was drawn to. I started as a Senator then proceeded to serve as the Secretary of the Senate before elected into the newest role.
You were recently elected student body vice president. What are your goals for this position? Being elected as Student Body Vice President (SGA) has easily become one of the greatest honors of my collegiate experience. My goals for the position are to increase the relations between SGA and the student body, help students be utmost successful, and to make SGA more of a welcoming open space for all students.
Throughout my previous leadership roles, I noticed a recurring theme that not all student voices are heard on campus and I wanted to see a change within that. Tara and I both are working to make sure students know and understand we are here for them and we will always do our best to bring change to our campus.
You are very involved on campus. Why do you think students should be involved on campus? What are the benefits? I have been very involved on campus. I can say it has without a doubt shaped my college experience overall! Being involved has allowed me to grow as an individual, create friendships that I hope to take with me past MSU, and given me countless opportunities. I think students should be involved because by putting yourself out there, even if it’s just one small step, so many doors will open for you.
Being involved helps me be in the know of what’s going on with the university and ultimately increases your love for Missouri State! The benefits are the people you meet and work with, the skills you gain from the experiences, and the greater appreciation you gain for being a bear.
What are some tips you have for our new Bears as they start college in August? The tips I would give to incoming Bears are to trust yourself, lean into the experience, and know that it is okay to fail sometimes. College can be stressful and through that doubt ensues often, it’s important to trust yourself throughout the process and remind yourself you are good enough! Lean into anything and everything that your university experience has to offer. As I said before, numerous doors will open and maybe ones that you never expected. The more willing you are to explore what MSU has to offer, the more comfortable you will become earlier on.
Lastly, it’s okay to fail! I mean this both academically and personally. College classes definitely vary from high school. You may not always get an A on everything and that is just fine. We all make mistakes, for most of us daily. You may fail over and over again, but that doesn’t take away from how amazing of a human being you are! Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, goals, and ambitions. There were so many things I thought I’d want to do in college but never actually saw myself in those experiences. There is always other students and university staff willing to help you every step of the way!
What is your favorite Missouri State tradition? Why? My favorite Missouri State tradition, along with most students, is definitely Fountain Day! I have been crazy obsessed with the fountain since my first year and love the celebration around it. From the free shirts to the free food, photo ops and everything in between. I love seeing the newfound love all of our new students gain when they start their own Missouri State journey.
What advice do you have for family members as their student start college in August? For the family members of incoming college students, I would say support your child every step of the way! Coming in as a first generation student, I truly had no idea what to expect or even what I fully wanted out of my time at MSU. However, I have been blessed with such amazing family and close friends who have unconditionally supported all of my college endeavors. Supporting your child no matter what will give them such a boost of confidence and they may never say it but you supporting them will mean everything to them!