Take a moment to get to know Alyssa Plummer, 2021-2022 Orientation Assistant for the Orientation and Transition Programs Office.

Tell me about yourself. My name is Alyssa Plummer, and I am from Alton, Illinois. I don’t have any siblings, but I have two loving parents and an amazing grandma who lives down the road from us in my hometown. Currently, I am a senior instrumental music education major with a minor in Spanish, and my main instrument is cello.

When I’m not busy practicing or studying, I love to visit all of the different coffee shops in Springfield. I also enjoy hiking in the Ozarks. 

Tell us about the organizations you are involved in. Why is getting involved on campus important for students?  On campus, I am involved in our music department. I am the founder and president of the MSU Cello Club, which is a group of students who get together to learn more about cello while also performing cello ensemble music.

In addition to this, I am the vice president of the MSU chapter of Habitat for Humanity. I have been volunteering with them since my freshman year, and I have loved meeting some of the families that we are building for and also making a difference in our community.

What do you think makes a good leader? I think some of the best leaders listen more than they speak, and they value feedback. Without these attributes, it can be really hard to be a good leader for a long period of time.

What have you learned from being a SOAR leader? How do you use these lessons in your everyday life?  I have learned so much from being a SOAR leader! I have especially enjoyed learning how to be a more confident leader. I have used these skills in my teaching practicum placements as well as in the student organizations that I’m involved in.

In addition to this, I have learned a lot about working with others with similar and different leadership styles. Learning how to be adaptable when working with others has become such a valuable skill. It has really made me appreciate the art of communicating well. Overall, I’ve noticed that since becoming a SOAR leader, I have been communicating and leading in a more informed way in all aspects of my life.

What do you like best about Missouri State? Why? I love the size of our campus. Whenever I’m walking anywhere on campus, I pass someone I know. I love getting to reconnect with different friends every day!

What is your favorite tradition? Why? There are so many fun events on campus, but I personally love Fountain Day. It’s the day during the spring semester when they turn the fountain back on after the winter. It’s super important to me because the fountain is my favorite nighttime study spot on campus!

What piece of advice do you have for MSU students? Don’t be afraid to email your professor! They want you to succeed. They will always be willing to clarify information from a lecture or restate a due date.

What piece of advice do you have for family members? Let students learn from their mistakes! It’s important to give your student the support that they need, but some of the best life lessons come from letting them navigate mistakes.