A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Archives for April 2021

Spring 2021 Week 14 – Michael

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So Close Yet So Far Away

We are in week 14 of the semester, which means we are almost at the end! I can practically feel summer already. Vacations, spending time with friends and sleeping in are just a few of the things to look forward to when summer rolls around. However, like every obstacle course, there is always one last obstacle you have to overcome before the end. I think we all know what it is: Finals.

The Final Boss Battle

College is kind of like a video game. We level up by gaining knowledge, we defeat small enemies like homework, we make companions through classmates and we win boss battles when we take exams. However, there is always a final boss battle in every game, and for us that is our finals. I know for me, it can be a very stressful time, so here are some tips and tricks to make finals week a little bit better.

The Keys to Success: The Michael Way

For me, exams are all about comfort. The worst feeling during an exam is when you feel like you didn’t study enough or maybe didn’t prepare the right way. However, have no fear, because there are a few easy steps you can take to prevent that feeling.

Step 1: STUDY!

I don’t want it to feel over simplified, but for me beginning the studying for a final is like getting the ball rolling. Even when there is a lot of content to study, after each study session I know more than I did when I started. Then, when it comes to test time, I can tell myself that I do know something.

Step 2: Make a schedule

Laying out a schedule allows you to keep track of when your exams are going to be and when you want to study for them. It’s always good to study in advance; a schedule will tell you how long you have and how frequently you want to study leading up to the exam!

Step 3: Build some confidence!

Even if a final is comprehensive, don’t be intimidated. You have already made it to the end of the semester, so give yourself a pat on the back! Take a little pride in the hard work you have done all semester to reach this point. As you study or prepare for your exams, remember that you have been in the class all semester and already have some knowledge stored that will help you. Trust yourself!

No matter how tough finals get this year, keep your head up and trust in yourself. We are all at Missouri State because we deserve to be here and work hard! Good luck!

(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.)

Getting Engaged: Online Student Edition (Spring 2021, Week 13)

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Tips to Get Engaged from an Online Student Perspective

Can you believe it? We only have four weeks left in this semester and three weeks until finals week. With everything going on, I wouldn’t have expected time to go by so fast.

I’ve been taking online classes for the last couple of semesters. I’m enjoying my classes this semester, but it’s been a challenge to stay engaged in all of my classes. In addition to my classes from Missouri State, I’m also taking one course from a local community college, so staying involved has been hard. Here are my top five tips for getting and staying engaged during the semester as an online student.

  1. (If your class has a scheduled time to meet) Attend class even when you don’t want to

You might be feeling burnt out or too tired – you should attend class anyway. When you don’t attend class, you risk the chance of falling behind and not being able to understand course materials. Attending class can help you with quizzes or tests and with understanding what you’re being taught.

  1. Always ask questions

Asking questions is a good way to stay active and is a way to use your voice, especially in an online class where we don’t have those face-to-face interactions that seated classes have. Asking questions helps you understand the material, stay alert during class and feel a part of your class.

  1. Stay prepared

Some professors plan out the class for the entire semester and some don’t so staying prepared is a great way to stay engaged. Review the main points and prepare for class beforehand. You’ll be able to take more interest in your class, participate more and make connections when you do.

  1. Talk to your professors

Knowing your professor can help you feel more connected to them and more invested in the class. Whenever you have questions or don’t understand something, you should feel comfortable enough to ask your professor. Talking to your professors can also help prevent boredom with your class. And, in addition to helping with your grades, getting to know your professors also provides a possibility of someone going the extra mile for you if you ever need a recommendation letter. This is especially important since some of us are relying on online relationships.

  1. Have a positive mindset

Mentally you have to be ready to perform and do any tasks that you need to complete. Don’t think negative thoughts like that you’re never going to understand the material or are unable to do the work. Have thoughts that will help you establish a mindset that will work for you and not against you. Everyone is unique and works at their own pace; don’t bring yourself down by focusing on negative thoughts.

Something to Think About

The pandemic has been challenging everyone in so many ways and because of that, we’ve been challenged to keep ourselves together and work our hardest. I’ll be the first to tell you that not everything goes as planned; however, that shouldn’t stop you from being engaged in everything that you do. Hopefully, these tips are as helpful for you as they have been for me these past few semesters.

~Alexandria

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

Spring 2021 Week 12 – Rhiannon

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Favorite things to do in Springfield

This blog post goes hand in hand with a post from a couple weeks ago in which Alexandria discussed her top five favorite places on campus. She lists some great places—I recommend you give her post a read.

Sometimes, though, it’s good to get off campus. It gives you the opportunity to get out of your own head, to take a break from classes and studying, to explore the local community and more. Below is a list of some of my favorite places and things to do in Springfield.

For me, these places represent memories that I have come to cherish. From going to the Wonders of Wildlife when I was little (before they remodeled, of course) to going to a minor league Cardinals game to even competing at tournaments. I hope the following list makes you remember memories, too—or helps you create new ones! Enjoy 🙂

  • Shakespeare at the Columns
    • They present live, free-admission Shakespeare plays at Springfield Art Museum’s outdoor amphitheater every summer. You can find them on Facebook.
    • You can give donations if you like but it is not required.
  • MMASC Karate Tournament
    • If you want to watch another sporting event or if, like me, you are a martial artist and want to go to a tournament, this is a great place to do it. Here is their Facebook page for more information.

~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.)