Midterms. The one word that strikes fear into the hearts of students around the country and frankly around the world.

Since the beginning of the semester, like for most of the student population, it has been a roller coaster ride. From not knowing if you have the common cold or coronavirus to trying to study for exams that are back to back.

But as we all reach the midpoint of a sixteen week semester, it is okay to breathe. It is okay to let that breath you have been holding since the second week of classes out. It is okay to have a little fun and have some well deserved relaxation. However, just remember that you still have assignments, and exams to finish. You have enrolled here for a reason. Remember that reason as you take your midterm exams.

~Rhiannon

(Bio: My name is Rhiannon Casey, a transfer student from Arkansas State University. I am currently a Junior Marketing Major with an emphasis in Advertising and Promotions.)

Starting Off Strong!

We are officially three weeks into the semester! With all of the changes that have been made, it seems like everyone is getting off to a great start. For me, I was fairly concerned about getting lost in my blackboard and falling behind, but so far it has been great! And I hope the same can be said for you.

This semester I began working with a GEP class twice a week, and so far it has been a great experience. But the most impressive thing I have found is the first year students are having a decent transition to college, despite this blended format we are in. This is great news! I’m happy to see that students are able to still find success in their college career amidst all of this madness!

Keep Pumping Those Arms!

Obviously some things can still be slightly difficult. For some people, they still have yet to make a routine, or may not have even been to one of their classes in person yet. Personally, my major consists of a lot of labs. Because faculty still wants us on campus as much as possible, they split our labs up to where I am only in-person once every three weeks. Yesterday was my first day in the actual lab! However, making a solid schedule of each week and what I have to get done has done well to keep me on track. Plus, I have realized that having online lectures has given me a little more flexibility with where I can watch them, which allows me to find new settings to learn in each week.

Stay Positive and Stay Safe

As the weeks have progressed, it’s very noticeable that some of our classmates and peers are being affected more and more by COVID-19 each day. For those who are, I wish you well and hope that you get better soon. With this in mind, I hope that everyone is continuing to be safe and sanitary as much as they can. It can be scary being on a campus not knowing what might happen each day, but our campus is working very hard to help the situation. However, it is great to be back on campus, which is always a plus. So no matter how you may feel, remember that you attend one of the best campuses out there, and each day is an opportunity to become a better student and a better you!

~Michael

(Bio: My name is Michael Rexroad, a transfer student from Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City. I am a junior currently studying cell and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry.)

As most of us have returned to campus mid COVID-19 restrictions, we have fully emerged ourselves into campus life and classes.  I myself have been weary about returning to campus with the pandemic.

What comes to my mind at the moment is the thought of how everyone else is adjusting to being back on campus.

Have you made the decision to go fully online? Has your classes forced you into living on campus like mine have? What has been the most challenging aspect for you during this time? Are you fully prepared for class at all or are you just going through the motions?

As you get back into the groove of classes, know that there are so many places where you can seek guidance or help with anything on campus. If you want to talk to another student about what you might be going through there is a Peer Counselor option on campus. Located in Meyer Library 116 or by requesting to see one online at: https://www.missouristate.edu/AcademicSuccess/student-academic-assistance.htm

How are you guys doing so far? I’ve been doing pretty well since the start of quarantine and now that the semester is over, I can focus on things that I haven’t before.

As of right now a couple of places are starting to open back up to the public but in my opinion it’s a little too soon for that. My younger sister (age 7) and I have really weak immune systems. When we get sick, it lasts a long time and we just have a harder time fighting off illnesses. On the other side of the spectrum, I do understand that businesses need to make money and everything can’t stay closed forever. Nevertheless, I’m going to remain in quarantine until things become clearer.

I’m prepping for my summer math class this week and next week. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what to expect out of having an online summer class through Missouri State, but I am getting myself ready for it regardless.

In other news, despite staying in my house, I’m excited because I’m turning twenty in about twelve days. Although it’s a big deal to my mom, I just want to chill out with my family while eating all the food I couldn’t before. Even more recently there have been other issues happening during this pandemic but I’m staying informed and staying close to those important to me.

“Look around you. Appreciate what you have. Nothing will be the same in a year.” Unknown.

~Alexandria

(Bio: My name is Alexandria Givens, and I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a sophomore business major at Missouri State University.)