Can you believe it? It’s already December and the end of the year is almost here!

As you know, everybody is gearing up for finals week and turning in those last assignments. After break, I had a chance to reset myself mentally. Thanksgiving was fun, even though I didn’t get to see my entire family as usual. I made phone calls, facetimed with a couple people and enjoyed some good homecooked food. This entire year has been totally different, but I can say that I’m handling things pretty well and doing as much as I can without overloading myself.

The plan for this week

I am having my first exam for the fall semester this weekend and I couldn’t be more nervous than I am right now. It’s a math exam and, if you haven’t figured it out yet, math and I always fight it out and sometimes math wins. However, I’m planning on pushing through and doing the best I can. My entire plan for this week is to just go with the flow, figure out what needs to be done first and have everything else follow that. Right now I’m on top of everything. I’ve been meditating and doing breathing exercises so that I can stay sane and just reminding myself that the year and semester are almost over.

The Takeaways for this week

I always thought that getting an education was going to be hard, so I’m not surprised that it is hard. But I can say that I’m proud of myself and the people I’ve gotten the chance to be friends with. This year has been hard for everyone so I want you to know that you’re a valued human being and that you can do anything you set your mind to. I still have a long way to go before I’m done but my time at Missouri State is going to be something that I remember for a long time, so I’m not going to rush it. As students, we’re all working to graduate and do greater things; try to keep your mind on that as you progress forward with your life.

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle”- Napoleon Hill

~Alexandria

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a sophomore business major at Missouri State University.)

It’s Finals Time!

Whether you are scared or excited, I wish everyone the best of luck. We made it. Three words you can say with a sigh of relief.

If you are worried and feel some anxiety about finals, here are some good tips for success that Michael Rexroad said a few weeks ago:

1. Schedule out the dates for your exams
2. Find time to study at least a week or two in advance
3. Study with other students in your class to try and bounce ideas off each other
4. Find some time to relax and clear your mind
5. Show up with confidence and do your best!

Winter break is upon us!

As we all reach that final stretch of a sixteen-week semester, it is okay to breathe. It is okay to let out that breath you have been holding since the second week of classes. It is okay to have a little fun and enjoy 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 final exams.

And with that I leave you with this quote by John Mark Green:

~Rhiannon

P.S. Have a safe and wonderful break. And enjoy your holidays!! See you all next semester!!

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

Hello all, I know that it has been a while since you got an update from me. I just wanted to pop back in to let you know a little about how the semester has been going for me. Compared to how I felt at the beginning of the semester, my feelings have totally changed because nothing always happens completely as you plan. My classes right now are going pretty well but I’m still trying to finish the semester strong and get all my assignments in on time. The final exam period is coming up; I know it will be more stressful for me this year because I have a lot riding on one of my classes so that I don’t fall behind.

What Kept Me Away

Out of everything that has been going on this semester, what really kept me away was finally getting a hold of my anxiety. I have severe math anxiety and just anxiety in general, which has made it hard for me to get things done. When I feel stressed or don’t comprehend something, my anxiety spirals out of control. Recently I got to a point where I needed to feel more grounded, so I have been trying some new things like meditation and finally getting some professional help. I contacted the Missouri State University Counseling Center and was able to get an appointment scheduled; after having the first appointment, I’ve never felt better.

Relax and Find Strength

The point of this blog post was to catch you up on how I am doing. But I also want to remind you that the year is almost over and that not everything happens like you plan. As of today, we are getting ready to go on Thanksgiving break, so just take some time to unwind and enjoy things that make you happy. Also, if you are struggling with anything, don’t be afraid to get some support or advice.

Be sure to check for another blog post from me after the break to see how things are turning out and to get the scoop on some very interesting activities of mine this semester.

~Alexandria

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a sophomore business major at Missouri State University.)

Now that midterms are over, we can let out that breath that we have all been holding. However, ever since I let out that breath, I’ve felt like I have been living a nightmare, one that I’m struggling to wake up from.

On October 24th I received a call from my mom with the worst possible news that anyone from my mom’s side of the family could imagine. My great-grandmother had a massive stroke that damaged her heart and her frontal lobe.

The next day, the hospital in Arkansas called for family to say their goodbyes. When my mom told me this, I broke down into tears. I literally was ugly crying while I finished my course work so I could get to Arkansas.

While I was driving down, my mom called and put me on speaker with my great-grandmother in case she died before I could get there. I let her know that it was okay if she wanted to go and be with my great-grandfather, who died from lung cancer when I was five. I got to tell her that I loved her and asked her to hang on until I got there.

And she is still hanging on, as of this morning. We do not know how much longer she has. It could be a couple days, a week, even a month. For now, the hospital is keeping her comfortable in a swing bed.

 

~Rhiannon

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

It’s Midterm Season!

In the past couple weeks, it has truly felt like fall has hit us. Here in Springfield the leaves are changing colors, the air is getting colder, and the nights are coming faster. It’s so great! However, there is another thing that always sneaks up on us this time of year: midterms! The dreaded exams that come right in the middle of the semester. Whether you are scared or excited, I wish everyone the best of luck. If you are worried and feel some anxiety about midterms, here are some good tips for success!

1. Schedule out the dates for your exams
2. Find time to study at least a week or two in advance
3. Study with other students in the class to try and bounce ideas off each other
4. Find some time to relax and clear your mind
5. Show up with confidence and do your best!

Midterms are the Gateway to the Holidays!

Something that always motivates me to keep moving through the semester is remembering that the holiday season is closing in! Within the next couple months, we get to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and eventually winter holidays near the end of the semester. I am especially excited for Halloween so I can throw on my banana costume and go get special deals from Chipotle! Either way, for those who are stressed out about class, just remember that as soon as we make it past our exams and assignments, we will get to have a fun time with our friends and family during the holidays!

Things are getting ~Spooky~ in Springfield

Obviously, Halloween will be difficult to celebrate this year due to COVID. However, if you aren’t sure how to celebrate Halloween this year, here are some good ideas!

• Decorate your apartment/dorm with Halloween-themed items
• Figure out fun costume ideas
• Don’t be afraid to wear your costume on campus!!!

I know it feels like the current pandemic may be a struggle for all of us right now, but I hope all of you still find fun ways to celebrate!

(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.)