A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Archives for December 2020

Thoughts and Motivation (Fall 2020, Finals Week)

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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.)

Fall 2020 Finals Week – Rhiannon

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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:

Image that reads "You are not the darkness you endured. You are the light that refused to surrender." 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.)