A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Getting Involved on Campus (Fall 2026, Week 3)

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Did you know that involved students are more likely to graduate on time and with better grades? Missouri State knows that your life outside the classroom is just as important as your life inside of it. That’s why the university offers over 300 student organizations, along with unique opportunities in student employment and undergraduate research. 

The “Why”: More Than Just a Resume Builder 

Why should you join a student org? The biggest reason is connection. Starting college can feel overwhelming, and finding a “home” on a large campus makes a world of difference. Creating relationships with people who share your interests helps you feel like a part of the Bear community rather than just a face in the crowd. 

Beyond friendship, getting involved unlocks doors you won’t find in a textbook. Many major-specific organizations offer: 

  • Exclusive networking with industry professionals. 
  • Travel opportunities to national conferences. 
  • Hands-on leadership experience that employers crave. 

How to Choose the Right Organization 

With 300+ options, it can be difficult to choose an organization. To narrow it down, start by asking yourself what you hope to accomplish. At Missouri State, organizations generally fall into three buckets: 

  • Academic/Professional: Built around your major or future career. 
  • Personal Interest: Focused on hobbies, fun and relaxation. 
  • Identity & Faith: Dedicated to religious, cultural, LGBTQ+  and other communities. 

Peer Mentor Tip: The Two-Meeting Rule. It’s important to attend at least two meetings before making a final judgment. The first meeting of the semester is often just logistics and icebreakers. If you find the first one a little slow, give it one more shot to see the “full picture” of the group’s dynamic. If it still doesn’t click, don’t get discouraged; your group is out there, you just have to keep exploring! 

How to Get Started 

Ready to jump in? Here are the two easiest ways to get connected: 

  • Log into BearLink: This is the central hub for every organization on campus. You can search by category, find contact information for club presidents and see a calendar of upcoming events. 
  • The “Buddy System”: Talk to people in your residence hall or your Gen Ed classes. Chances are, they are looking for a club to join, too. Going to a meeting in a group is much less intimidating than walking in by yourself! 

Need help getting involved on campus? We can help!  Request to meet with a Success Coach or Peer Mentor today! 

 

~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.)

Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to College (Fall 2026, Week 2)

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Note from CAST: Last May, we asked Sophia, one of our spring peer mentors, to write this post with tips for new students. Enjoy!

It’s August, which means another fall semester is starting at Missouri State! Let’s hop back into the school year ready to succeed. Looking back at my four semesters at Mo State, here are ten things I wish I knew coming to college for the first time.

1. Budgeting

We all know college can cost a pretty penny, and it’s important to be mindful of spending when you come to college! With the newfound independence of attending a university, it can be easy to let money slip. Going shopping with friends, eating dinner out or getting coffee adds up quickly. It is important to budget your finances! For me, this looks like a set amount of money for spending each week. This includes fun activities as well as anything I may need and helps me keep sight of how much I can spend.

2. Campus Resources

Missouri State offers a wide variety of resources for students, including the Bear CLAW, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors, Magers Health and Wellness and the Counseling Center. These are just a few resources accessible to all students. It’s our job to take advantage of available resources, so when you first arrive, take time to explore what’s available and don’t be afraid to try them out. From my experience, stepping out of your comfort zone is always worth it!

3. Take Time for Yourself

College is a new and constantly changing environment, so it is crucial to take care of yourself and your mental health. Adjusting to a new social setting while managing academic pressure can be overwhelming at times. It is okay to take a break, recharge and prioritize your well-being.

The Counseling Center offers free counseling services sessions to all current students. You can schedule an appointment online to get connected. Taking care of yourself is not falling behind; it is setting yourself up for success!

4. Trial Schedule Builder

Missouri State’s Trial Schedule Builder, which you can access through the registration card on MyMissouriState, is the most efficient, simple and effective way to plan your schedule for the upcoming semester. Once you meet with your advisor and decide what classes you need to take, you can enter the course code into the database and it will create a mock schedule for you. It allows you to see class time flexibility, professor names, how many spots are available in the class, where each class is located and if the class is offered online or in person.

Once you are satisfied with a schedule, you can simply send the schedule to your online “shopping cart” where it will be ready for you to register. I highly recommend using this tool to plan your future schedule!

5. Bear Pantry

Want some extra snacks or groceries? You don’t even need to leave campus! The Bear Pantry has a variety of food options available to students who may need it. From ramen packets to fresh vegetables, it’s definitely worth looking around! Additionally, they have student volunteer opportunities if you are looking to serve our community. The Bear Pantry is on the first floor of the Plaster Student Union and its hours are posted on the website.

6. Change happens!

This time of life is a big transition for most people. Friendships may prosper or drift, your relationship with your family may shift and you will find things you enjoy or don’t prefer. Having an open mind to change is crucial. Leo Buscaglia, a motivational speaker and author, once said “change is the end result of all true learning.” Take this as an opportunity to discover yourself and grow through the hardships, experiences and joys of being a college student.

7. Get Involved

Missouri State has over 300 student organizations, so everyone can find what they enjoy the most. Being involved on campus is a great way to prevent home sickness, feel connected on campus and meet other students. Don’t stress, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about other organizations on campus. I am a part of multiple organizations and this has made my college experience so special. As mentioned before, it doesn’t hurt to try something out! I recommend going to two club meetings before you decide whether to join or not.

Peer Mentor tip: Check out next week’s A Bear’s Life post for more information and tips on getting involved with student organizations!

8. Bear Line

The Bear Line is one of my favorite campus resources; I use it almost every day. It is a shuttle system that transports students around campus and parts of Springfield. It is easy to use because each route is color coded. For example, the purple and blue routes are perfect for traveling from the Foster Recreation Center to Cherry and Elm Street. You can track where each bus is via the Passio Go app, and it will tell you down to the minute how far the bus is from a stop. This makes transportation easy and is especially helpful if you are on a time crunch. I recommend this to all students!

9. Professors Want You to Succeed

Attending college brings more independence and therefore more responsibility. It is your job to seek guidance and support if you are struggling. Don’t be afraid to attend your professor’s office hours or reach out to a graduate assistant. While college can be full of fun events and activities, we are here to be students first. Your professors want to help you succeed, so don’t be shy! At first, I struggled to talk to my professors when I had questions but now that I overcame that obstacle, I see that it is so helpful to reach out. It also builds a relationship between you and the professor, which can be helpful for future letters of recommendation. It shows character and determination to ask questions!

10. Planning Ahead

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to think about the future. Now, you shouldn’t stress or become anxious over the unknown but instead be mindful of what lies a few steps ahead. For example, focus on taking classes that are related to your major and plan out when you complete an internship or fieldwork hours. Furthermore, if you know you will need a new car in the next few years, start putting money aside now. It is key to find a balance between living in the moments of college and remembering that this is a transitional stage and therefore preparing for the future. The Career Center is an amazing resource to help you think about your next steps, build your resume and even look for internship/job opportunities.

Looking for guidance in classes or wanting to talk to someone about campus resources? Book an appointment with a success coach or peer mentor.

Takeaways

These are a few things I wish I knew before starting college. My biggest advice is to get involved, try new things, be open to change and work hard. College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so soak it in! Don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you’re having academic difficulties and seek guidance from the Counseling Center if you have mental health struggles. You can do this!

~Sophia Clinton

(Bio: I am a third-year Exercise Science major at Mo State. Fun Fact about me is that I am the President of Pre-Occupational Therapy club.)

The Do’s and Don’ts of Living with a Roommate (Fall 2026, Week 1)

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Happy back to school Bears! With many people living with a roommate for the first time in college I thought I’d come on here and talk a little bit about the dos and don’ts of sharing a space with someone.

The Dos 

  • Discuss Expectations Early: This is the most essential step. Everyone has a different baseline for cleanliness and house rules. Sitting down to create a “Roommate Agreement” helps minimize friction before it starts. Make sure to cover shared vs. personal items, guest policies, chore rotations and how you’ll handle grocery shopping. 
  • Pick Up After Yourself: Common areas are for everyone, not just your stuff. While messes are a natural part of living, respecting the shared space is key. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve struggled here, leaving dishes in the sink during a busy week or dropping my school bag in the middle of the living room. It takes a conscious effort, but it’s a vital part of being a good roommate. 
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Apologize: We all have shortcomings. When you mess up, acknowledge it and take responsibility. Simply making your roommates feel seen and heard can de-escalate a lot of tension. Just remember: an apology needs to be followed by action, otherwise, they’re just empty words. 
  • Communicate When Something is Wrong: Don’t let small annoyances turn into a blowout argument. If something is bothering you, bring it up calmly and directly before the resentment builds up. 

The Don’ts  

  • Don’t use others’ personal items without permission: This is the fastest way to break trust. Just because a laptop charger or a carton of milk is sitting in a common area doesn’t make it communal property. Even if you have replacement intentions, taking something without asking can leave your roommate in a bind when they actually need it. Always send a quick text to ask first. 
  • Don’t be loud during sleep hours: Everyone has different schedules, but “quiet hours” are a universal sign of respect. Avoid using the blender, taking loud speakerphone calls, or slamming cabinets at 2:00 AM. If you’re a night owl, invest in a good pair of headphones and save the heavy chores for the daylight. 
  • Don’t leave passive-aggressive notes or texts: While it might feel easier to leave a Post-it on the microwave than to have a face-to-face talk, it almost always comes off as hostile. Digital notes in the group chat is just as bad. If an issue is bothering you, address it directly and politely. Most people respond much better to a “Hey, could you help me out with the trash?” than a sarcastic note. 
  • Don’t forget to lock the door when leaving: It seems simple, but it’s a major safety concern. When you live with others, you aren’t just responsible for your own laptop and TV, you’re responsible for theirs, too. Making sure the windows and doors are secure whenever you head out is a basic requirement for maintaining a sense of security in the home. 
  • Don’t let “guests” become unofficial roommates: Having friends or partners over is part of the fun of having your own place, but sometimes it can go too far. If someone is showering, eating, and sleeping there five nights a week without contributing to the rent or utilities, it’s going to cause resentment. Set a “sleepover limit” early on to keep things fair. 

Takeaways  

Living with others is a skill that takes practice. I’ve learned the hard way that being a “good roommate” isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being considerate. We’re all going to leave a bag on the floor or forget a dish eventually. The difference between a toxic living situation and a great one is how you handle those moments. Be kind, lock the door, and maybe ask before you eat that last slice of pizza.

Need Help This Semester? 

Have questions about interacting with your roommates or other aspects of life at Missouri State? Looking for help with your academic skills? Our peer mentors and success coaches are here to help. Learn more on our Student Academic Assistance page.

~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.)

Combining his passions for a multi-faceted career field

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There’s a world full of interesting subjects.  

Why stick to learning about just one? 

When Rodell Andrews transferred to Missouri State, he already had credit hours in three primary disciplines: computer science, mathematics and business. 

Having a degree that combined all his interests was essential for securing the skills and experience needed for his future career. 

Not willing to stick to a traditional degree plan, Andrews pursued a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS), where he could take courses in three department areas to earn a versatile degree tailored to his career choice. 

Andrews is glad he chose to pursue a BGS degree, because to him, it means “not putting yourself in a box.” 

“I think general studies is the perfect major for intuitive thinkers who want to browse different categories, be a jack-of-all-trades and have more knowledge in different areas.”

“I feel like a lot of times when you go to school and you try to get the traditional majors, you’re boxing yourself into one category,” Andrews said.

Building his network on campus

Born and raised in O’Fallon, Illinois, Andrews made his way to Springfield to start college and play baseball at Evangel University.  

After two years there, he decided to transfer schools and turn his focus on academics.  

For the next two years of his college journey, Missouri State gave him the community he longed for when he joined Bears in Technology (BIT), a student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM). 

“I made some very valuable connections with people who I’m still friends with today,” he said. “I didn’t really want to leave Springfield. I wanted to stay there and just be close to my friends. It was a plus having Missouri State be a Division I school, because I always wanted to go to a Division I school.” 

Some of Andrews’ favorite moments at Mo State were attending football games. He recalls one home game during his senior year when he was interviewed on the local news. 

He remembers being astonished by “the atmosphere, how many people were there and how many people who were excited for football.” 

Three areas of study, one degree

In his studies, Andrews’s BGS degree path allowed him to refine his interests and choose courses that matched what he enjoyed. 

“For the future students coming in, really focus on not boxing yourself in but looking at things that really interest you. Everything isn’t just about money; it’s about what you’re going to be doing and if you’re happy doing it.” 

His computer science classes helped him realize that he enjoyed the cybersecurity side of the field, including learning about databases and the inner workings of the computer. 

Within the College of Business, he is currently taking a marketing class about “branding yourself,” which has been valuable to his career field. 

In the mathematics realm, Andrews really enjoyed the classes taught by Dr. Roger Bunn. One thing that Andrews appreciated about Bunn’s teaching style was that Bunn made sure his students were answering questions and learning the concepts instead of just making sure they finished their classwork. 

“(Dr. Bunn’s) class really pushed me as an individual for school but also made me think about how I want to live the rest of my life and making sure that I’m putting forth effort in whatever I’m doing, regardless of if it’s pre-calculus or the potential job I’ll be working in the future,” Andrews said. 

His instructors taught him how to take initiative, ask questions and apply his learning outside the classroom. 

“I really like classes that teach you step outside of being in school,” Andrews said. “I think the concepts that you learn in school are very valuable, but I think the things that you learn to be an adult and to push you professionally are my favorite type of classes.” 

By exploring more than one discipline in the BGS program, Andrews was able to keep and transfer many of his course credits from Evangel to Missouri State. 

His academic advisor, Gates Breedlove-Koepke, served as a valuable resource while he acclimated to Mo State as a transfer student. 

“Breedlove was a great advisor and made sure that I was moving in the right direction for the classes I was supposed to be taking,” he said. 

Being gritty to become great

By majoring in general studies, Andrews created a pathway that allowed him to graduate sooner. 

After participating in the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony, he will be finishing his final two courses this summer to officially earn his degree. 

Andrews is also currently participating in his second internship with The Resource Group, a company that, he says, offers cost-saving initiatives for quality products to hospitals, clinics and other clients. 

At The Resource Group, his work is centered on data analytics. Because of his classes at Missouri State, he now knows which questions to ask and the steps he needs to take to efficiently reach a solution for his work. 

He is hoping his experience with The Resource Group will help him secure a full-time position there. 

Andrews said his time at Missouri State has “taught him to be gritty” and motivated him to do more than just attend class and do homework.  

“Missouri State taught me a lot about my character and not giving up when things get hard,” he said.  “It taught me to keep striving to be successful and keep striving to accomplish your goal.”

Pursue a Bachelor of General Studies

A Week in the Life with Peer Mentor Eternity (Spring 2026, Week 16)

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Everyone’s college experience looks a little different, but I thought I’d share what a typical week looks like for me. Between being a full-time Agricultural Communications student, a member of the Missouri State Equestrian team, and an employee at both the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) office and a local restaurant here in Springfield, things stay pretty busy! 

Monday 

My Monday kicks off at the CAST office at 8:00 am. I work until 10:30 am, focusing on writing blogs, meeting with students, and handling administrative tasks. 

After work, I head back to my apartment for a quick breakfast before my first class. Since it’s held at the Darr Agriculture Center on Kansas Expressway, I always leave early to beat the traffic. We often get hands-on experience with Missouri State’s horses; recently, we evaluated them to see if they would be a good fit for therapy work which was super fun. 

Once class ends, I find a quiet spot in the barn to catch up on work before getting ready for equestrian team practice. After practice, I wrap up the day at home with my roommates, where we cook dinner and tackle our homework together in the living room. 

Tuesday 

Tuesday starts with another trip to Darr for class at 9:30 am. This class is very in-depth, covering the nutritional needs of various farm animals, so I make sure to take detailed notes. After class, I head home to eat and review those notes while the information is still fresh. 

My afternoon includes: 

  • Another class: This is on the main campus and is a blast. The lectures are short, so I use the extra time for the class workload, which includes taking and editing photos for our weekly assignments. 
  • Tabling at the PSU: I represent the CAST office at the Plaster Student Union. I love connecting with students and sharing how our office can help them succeed. 

To finish the day, I head to my evening job at a local pasta restaurant. Tuesday nights are my favorite because I get to see my “regulars.” 

Wednesday 

I intentionally keep Wednesdays a bit slower to leave room for appointments, volunteering, or any other out of the ordinary task I may need to complete that week. If my schedule is clear, I enjoy a slow morning, sleeping in a little and catching up with my roommates over breakfast. 

At noon, I head to work at the CAST office, starting with an hour of tabling before finishing daily tasks. Every day at CAST is a little different, which keeps it interesting!  

My evening involves: 

  • Equestrian Practice: Wednesday practices are usually the highlight of my week. 
  • Roommate Dinner: I usually take the lead on cooking for the house on Wednesdays. 
  • Online Classes: I dedicate Wednesday nights specifically to my online coursework at the library. Carving out this specific block helps me stay on top of the workload without feeling overwhelmed. 

Thursday 

My Thursdays mirror my Tuesdays, with one major exception: I don’t work at the CAST office in the afternoon. Instead, I use that time to rest. As college students, our schedules fill up fast, and I’ve learned that scheduled downtime is the best way to avoid burnout. 

Friday 

Friday starts at 8:00 am at the CAST office. It’s usually a quieter morning, which is perfect for editing blog posts and covering the front desk. After work, it’s back to my equine class at Darr. It’s my favorite class, so it’s the perfect way to end the academic week. I spend the afternoon with my roommates before heading into a shift at the restaurant. 

The Weekend 

No two weekends look the same! I use this time for: 

  • Socializing: Making plans with friends and getting out into Springfield. 
  • Prep: Finishing up any remaining homework and grocery shopping for the week ahead. 
  • Reset: Going to church on Sunday is my favorite way to clear my head and prepare for the coming week. 

The Takeaway 

Your college experience is exactly what you make of it. From classes and activities to hobbies and jobs, Missouri State is a place where you can truly tailor your schedule to fit your goals and your needs. Whether you’re at the barn or in the library, there’s a rhythm that works for everyone!
 

Wondering how to fit studying into your current schedule? Want help figuring out how to add opportunities for campus involvement into your time at Missouri State? CAST’s Success Coaches and Peer Mentors can help! Learn more and request to meet with a coach or mentor on our Student Academic Assistance page.

 

~Eternity Lawson  

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