Take a moment to get to know the new graduate assistant for Orientation and Transition Programs.

Tell us about yourself.  My name is Jemimmah and I am from Nairobi,  Kenya. I am  blessed with one amazing  12 year  old son named Johari. I have a  BSc  in International Business Administration  from United States International University Africa ( USIU – Africa) and an MBA in Entrepreneurship Development from Kenyatta University. I further pursued a Higher Diploma in Human Resources with a certificate in Counseling.

Why did you decide to get a Masters in Student Affairs in Higher Education? How did you choose Missouri State? While undertaking my career in financial services, I noted gaps in  student outcomes from our universities. I am a first generation student and  had the privilege of attending  both a private and public university.

My experiences were quite diverse. I  was able to relate to the gaps and took up a personal  initiative to start life skills training  and volunteer mentorship programs in the organization to help transit new graduate employees from student life to employment.  This experience ignited in me my long time desire to go into academia.

I left employment in 2018 and got involved in supporting research and other student development activities. I however realized that I needed to do this in a more professional way by developing my knowledge and skills in Student Affairs.  My choice for Missouri was because of the highly rated faculty in school of education, the well-developed program in Student Affairs and the practicum that will expose me to real life experiences.

You are the graduate assistant for the Orientation office. Why did you want to work in orientation? Why do you think orientation is important to our incoming students and their family members? I was excited about the idea of setting a foundation of excellence for new students. Orientation is important as it is the students first real experience with the university.

The positive experience students and family go through during orientation assist them to make positive decisions that will have an impact on the success of their learning.  I wanted to be part of this beautiful story for every freshman and family who comes to Missouri State University.

Share a fun fact with us.  I got to Jog with the lions!  One day I went out  jogging. When I got back home, it was all over on  the news on how a pack of lions had been spotted on the same trail. It was terrifying but I got the bragging rights!

What are your career goals after you finish your master’s program? I would wish to go back to my county and make an impact in our education system through influence of policy makers. I am also quite interested in pursuing research with a personal interest on retooling/non traditional  students.

In the short time you have been at Missouri State and Springfield, what you have liked so far?  My student experience has really been phenomenal. The faculty is so  knowledgeable and experienced in their respective fields. They provide guidance and create synergy everywhere.  My GA position in Orientation & Family programs  is like being home away from home!  The Missouri family values and traditions are practiced right in the office space. Everybody is so helpful and ready to go the extra mile.  What an amazing team. I am so proud to be a Bear!