A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

2026 First-Gen Celebration Week

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2026 First-Gen Celebration Week Flyer

Find more information on Instagram: @MSUBearsLead, @MOStateOSE, @MSUImFirst

First-Gen Celebration Week Events

Monday, November 2nd

    • Tote Bag Making: OSE Lobby, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Balancing Your Time & Money: Meyer Library 107, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
      • Learn how to build time management and budgeting skills and how having these skills can positively impact your life.
      • Includes activities and tools that will be practical in everyday life.
    • MSU: I’m First First-Gen Celebration: Meyer Library 120, 4 – 5 p.m.
      • Come celebrate being the FIRST in your family! Diamond art Bear Heads while supplies last.

Tuesday, November 3rd

Wednesday, November 4th

    • Adult Student Tabling Event: PSU Lobby, 8:30 – 11 a.m.
    • National Candy Day: PSU Food Court, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Study Session: Meyer Library 107, 6 – 9 p.m.

Thursday, November 5th

    • First-Gen & Friends: Meyer Library Lobby, 1 – 3 p.m.
      • First-Gen wall, cookies and prizes!
    • Lunch & Learn: PSU 315, 12 – 1 p.m.
    • Cooking Talks: Kampeter 435, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.

Friday, November 6th

Collaborating Campus Resource Offices

Meet your NEW Success Coaches! (Fall 2026, Week 11)

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Meet our GA Success Coaches behind CAST! Our Success Coaches are here to support, encourage and help students make the most of their time at Missouri State. We asked them a few fun questions so you can get to know the people who are always ready to cheer you on! 

First up, meet Daniel! Daniel is new to CAST this year, and we’re so grateful to have him on our team! He’s already making a difference as a Success Coach, and we appreciate all the hard work he brings to the office! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself?  

  • My name is Daniel and I am originally from Greenfield, Missouri and graduated from Missouri State last semester (Spring 2026) with a Bachelor of Science in English Literature. I am currently getting a master’s in Student Affairs and Higher Education. In my free time, I like spending time with my friends, playing video games and reading.

Daniel PaigeIs there any midterm/finals advice you would give to students?  

  • First and foremost, don’t forget to study, but also don’t forget to relax and reward yourself whenever you do well.

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach? 

  • Students should meet with a success coach so they can really develop the skills they may not have had the opportunity to yet. During our meetings, we typically help students plan their schedules and learn general study skills, which are skills that students will need to have in college. Beyond just talking about what you may be struggling with, everyone needs somebody that they can also talk to about what their successes are. 

What is a personal habit or routine that helps you stay motivated, balanced, and at your best?  

  • Maintaining a planner. I prefer my planner digitally because I know I will always have it on me, but some people prefer having a paper version. No matter what the form is, though, everyone should have a planner so that they can keep track of what’s coming up and have a good bird’s eye view of all their activities (classes, orgs, work, etc.). 

Why did you decide to go to graduate school?  

  • I wanted to go to graduate school because I wanted to learn more about the career I am going into, as well as make myself a more competitive candidate. Additionally, I was very excited about pushing myself to do more research, which my program focuses on greatly. 

Meet Kaydley! She brings plenty of positive energy, laughter and fun energy to the CAST office. Her upbeat personality makes her students feel comfortable, whether they’re stopping by for support, advice or just a friendly face.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Kaydley Herndon

  • My name is Kaydley Herndon and I am from Billings, Missouri. I am currently pursuing my Masters in School Counseling to become a middle school counselor.  I love to hammock, bake and read in my free time. I love a time piece like Little House on the Prairie or Pride and Prejudice; I could (do) watch them over and over again for sure.  

Is there any midterm/finals advice you would give to students?  

  • My advice to students is to have a routine!! Routines are great and help create healthy and successful habits. Incorporating study time, enough rest, and relaxation time is important to everyone’s routine. Especially with large tests, studying ahead of time and getting enough sleep can make a big difference!   

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach? 

  • Students should meet with a success coach because it’s fun! We are a resource for them to help support their long-term success at Missouri State. Success coaching is a no-lose situation; it’s free, not a major time commitment, and we have so many tips and techniques for students!   

What is a personal habit or routine that helps you stay motivated, balanced, and at your best?  

  • I incorporate many little things to help stay balanced and at my best such as Culvers Wednesdays, doing homework in a coffee shop on Fridays and playing the piano once I get home in the evening. Each activity encourages me to stay motivated and balanced throughout my week!   

Why did you decide to go to graduate school? 

  • Graduate school has always been part of my plan as I need a master’s degree to become a school counselor. I additionally wanted to learn hands-on skills that will help me better support my future students. 

Our Success Coaches are here to help students feel supported, encouraged and confident throughout their college experience. Whether you need help finding resources, staying on track or just someone in your corner, the CAST Success Coaches are always ready to help you succeed at Missouri State!  

~Carsyn Vincent 

(Bio: I am a third-year International Business Management Major with a Minor in Marketing. A fun fact about me is that I love to listen to music, specifically Noah Kahan and Bella Kay.) 

Tips for Success in Online Courses (Fall 2026, Week 9)

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Taking online classes offers incredible flexibility, but that freedom can quickly turn into a double-edged sword without a clear game plan. Without the structure of a set classroom schedule, it is easy to let assignments slip through the cracks or find yourself cramming right before a midnight deadline. Whether you are taking your very first virtual course or looking to streamline your current routine, here are four practical strategies to help you stay organized, stress-free and successful. 

Dedicate Specific Time

One of the best ways to succeed in online courses is to block out specific times in your weekly schedule to focus entirely on the material. Even though many asynchronous online classes do not have set meeting times, treating them like a traditional, scheduled class ensures they do not get forgotten or pushed off until the last minute. Of course, this strategy only works if you stick to it. If you reserve 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM for a class, treat that time block as non-negotiable. 

Plan Ahead

Some online courses unlock all materials at once, leaving assignments open with an ultimate deadline at the end of the semester. Resist the urge to save everything for final exams week because attempting to rush through a semester’s worth of coursework leads to burnout and subpar results. Instead, review the syllabus during week one and create self-imposed weekly due dates for each task to keep a steady, manageable pace. 

Avoid Waiting Until the Last Minute

Technology is unpredictable. If you wait until 11:30 PM on the night an assignment is due to start working, an unexpected internet outage, system update or portal glitch could prevent you from submitting your work on time. To avoid unnecessary panic and late penalties, aim to finish and submit every assignment at least 24 hours before the official deadline. 

Reach Out to Your Instructor

Never hesitate to reach out to your instructor when you need clarification or extra support. Check the syllabus for your professor’s preferred contact method and their posted virtual office hours. Sending a thoughtful email or dropping into online office hours not only helps you understand the material better, but it also establishes a personal connection, which is something that is easy to lose in a virtual environment. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Treat online classes like in-person classes: Block out designated focus time on your calendar each week and stick to it. 
  • Pace yourself early: Set internal deadlines using the syllabus so you don’t end up overwhelmed at the end of the term. 
  • Build in a 24-hour buffer: Finish assignments a day early to protect against last-minute tech issues. 
  • Initiate contact: Utilize virtual office hours and preferred communication channels to introduce yourself and get help when needed. 

For more tips on how to manage online courses meet with a success coach!

Also, check out past blogs Tips for Successful Online Learning (Fall 2024, Week 12), Getting Engaged: Online Student Edition and The Daily Life of an Online Student (Fall 2021, Week 9) for even more information on how to be a successful online student.

 

~Eternity Lawson   

(Bio: I am a third-year Agriculture Communications Student here at Missouri State. A Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.) 

A Student’s Guide to Exploring Downtown Springfield (Fall 2026, Week 8)

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One of my favorite ways to unwind after a long week is going out with friends. Since it is so close to campus, Downtown Springfield is our ultimate go-to spot—it’s super convenient, full of energy, and packed with incredible options. Over the last few years, I’ve explored as much of the neighborhood as I can, and it never gets old. Whether you’re looking for a low-key weekend morning or a night out with your crew, here is how you can make the most of downtown. 

Local Restaurants & Eats 

One of my absolute favorite things to do downtown is get a bite to eat. I’ve tried quite a few spots, and honestly, not one has disappointed. The range of cuisines, price points and dining experiences packed into just a few walkable blocks is incredible. No matter what vibe or budget I’m feeling, there is always a great option. 

  • Breakfast & Coffee: When you need a slow morning or a study break, downtown has fantastic local diners serving classic breakfast comfort food. If you just need a quiet table and a quality espresso, there are several cozy coffee shops right near the square that are perfect for catching up on homework. 
  • Casual & Global Cuisines: The variety of food downtown is unmatched. On any given night, you can easily find places for fresh sushi, authentic street tacos, or traditional Thai dishes. 
  • Relaxed Dining & Sweets: For something quick and casual, there are great spots with outdoor patio seating for nice weather, as well as classic dessert shops near campus to satisfy late-night sweet cravings. 

Entertainment & Things to Do 

When school and life get overwhelming, taking a break for some entertainment is a must. Downtown Springfield makes it easy to step away from the textbooks and just have fun without having to travel far. 

  • Arcades & Interactive Fun: If you want an interactive night out, there are retro arcades downtown where a small cover charge lets you play classic 80s arcade games and pinball all night long. 
  • Movies & Arts: Downtown is home to one of my favorite movie theaters. It’s close to campus, has a great selection of movies and has comfortable heated recliners for a comfortable experience. The area also hosts local comedy shows, improv performances and gallery strolls. 
  • Live Music & Sports: The downtown area comes alive on the weekends with live entertainment. You can catch major touring acts at historic performance venues, listen to local bands at small venues, or head to a local sports lounge to watch the big game with friends. 

Takeaways 

Whether you’ve been at Missouri State for years or are just starting your first semester, Downtown Springfield has a way of feeling like a home away from home. Next time you need a study break, a great meal, or a weekend out with friends, take the short walk from campus and see what you discover; you might just find your new favorite spot! 

Drop a comment below and let me know what downtown Springfield spots I should check out next! 

~Eternity Lawson  

(Bio: I am a third year Agriculture Communications Student here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.)

Finances in College (Fall 2026, Week 5)

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A major worry for many incoming students is affordability; how am I going to pay for college? I considered not attending Missouri State University myself simply because I was anxious about the cost. If you feel overwhelmed, here is my practical guide to navigating tuition, employment, and budgeting. 

Navigating Tuition & Financial Aid

The first expense that comes to mind is tuition. My biggest advice here is simple: know what you are paying for. Missouri State provides a detailed billing breakdown on every student’s “My Missouri State” portal, showing exact costs alongside applied financial aid, scholarships, and loans.  

How to find the breakdown: My Missouri State> Billing Card> Statement and Payment Portal> Activity Details 

Apply for Aid & Scholarships: Apply for every opportunity available. Even if you believe you won’t qualify for federal aid, fill out the FAFSA anyway. Many private and university scholarships require your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA, regardless of household income level. Skipping the FAFSA automatically disqualifies you from these options. 

Understanding Loans: While loans can cover remaining costs, navigating them can feel overwhelming. Don’t guess—reach out directly to the Financial Aid Office. Their advisors are equipped to walk you through borrowing terms and repayment options. 

Managing Employment

Deciding whether to work in college depends entirely on your personal situation: 

Focus on Your Path: Some students work full-time while others don’t work at all. Neither approach is wrong. Choose what suits your budget but ensure you leave enough time for academics and rest to avoid burnout. 

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus: 

  • On-Campus Jobs: Typically offer fewer weekly hours but provide maximum flexibility around class schedules and require zero commute. 
  • Off-Campus Jobs: Often offer more hours and varied industry experience (e.g., retail, food service, office administration), though they usually require travel and less flexible scheduling. 

Finding Balance: Personally, I hold both an on-campus and an off-campus job. On campus, I work about 4 hours a week in an office writing blog posts and collaborating with peers. Off campus, I work 15–20 hours a week as a shift lead in food service. Combining a steady, fast-paced job with a flexible campus position gives me a great mix of leadership experience and manageable hours. 

Budgeting 

Budgeting can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t mean giving up your morning coffee or nights out with friends. It simply means giving every dollar a job. Start by listing your guaranteed monthly income alongside your non-negotiable expenses (like rent and textbooks). Whatever remains can be split between savings and variable “fun” money. 

Peer Mentor Tip: Take advantage of free campus resources, such as the campus rec center or sponsored student events. You can maintain an active social life without draining your bank account. 

Creating a realistic student budget comes down to three key steps: 

  • Know Your Numbers: Track incoming paychecks against recurring fixed costs. 
  • Build a Safety Net: Tuck a small percentage of each paycheck into a dedicated emergency fund for unexpected expenses. 
  • Leave Room for Fun: Budgeting for wants—not just needs—is the best way to stick to your plan long-term. 

Takeaways 

Managing finances in college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By staying aware of your tuition costs, exploring campus employment, and setting up a basic budget, you can master your money with confidence. 

~Eternity Lawson  

(Bio: I am a third year Agriculture Communications Student here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.)