The semester is really starting to fly by the more I think about it because it is already close to April.  

During this semester I have challenged myself to try new things and to destress away from campus to save myself from burnout. I have learned throughout my time at Missouri State that taking time for yourself is important for your mental health, peace of mind, and overall happiness. I had to learn that there must be a separation between school and work, especially if you are someone who values spending time by yourself or with friends. I have recently visited a few places in Springfield that I have never been to, so I wanted to tell you all about my experiences.   

I have a close friend that I met at Missouri State in my sophomore year art class, and we have been friends since then. I have visited some unfamiliar places in Springfield with my friend and we have been able to share the experience of going to various places with each other.   

Springfield Experiences  

Coffee Shops 

Coffee shops are a great place to go to relax and Springfield has lots of great coffee places, including several within walking distance or near Bear Line access. My new favorite coffee shop near campus is where a lot of students or Springfield residents can come in and relax. This isn’t just any ordinary coffee shop because they also sell tea, malts, and sweet treats like brownies. There is a warm and welcoming ambiance when you first walk in because it takes place inside of a house-like structure and the people that work there are nice. I highly recommend getting a chocolate brownie and an iced white mocha coffee, which has become my personal favorite. This particular coffee shop has three levels, so I can sit on any level to hang out with friends or just relax. I can spend time together with my friend for hours in a coffee shop and will be trying some new coffee spots whenever I get the chance, especially with finals approaching.   

Chinese Restaurants 

I think finding a good, affordable restaurant that you enjoy and can visit when you need a break from on-campus dining is an important self-care step. Personally, I crave Chinese food on occasion but after being in Springfield for so long, I have found it hard to find good Chinese food and not just some sushi rolls. I went on the hunt a few weekends back to try to find a Chinese food place that was affordable and had some good options. My friend had given me some recommendations since she had tried a few places, so after hearing about her experience, I went to a buffet-style restaurant close to campus. This restaurant was less than ten minutes away from campus and had food options for just about anything from chicken to sushi rolls; they even had a dessert section. I enjoyed the open floor plan so that I could see not only the buffet but also the other people coming in to eat as well. I was really happy with the food choices and the fact that they serviced your drink when you needed a refill. I paid less than twenty dollars and was given a complimentary fortune cookie when I paid my bill. Overall, I was happy with my experience at this affordable restaurant and will visit again whenever my craving hits.   

Takeaways for this week  

After being a student for so long, it can get tiring to the point that you start to question your career path or the major that you chose, so I am always finding outlets to keep myself going. It is important to remember that your life is not just about your education but what you make it. Get out, try some new things, and discover what Springfield has to offer whenever you get the chance. Hopefully, hearing about my experiences and the places that I visited has encouraged you to explore and find your own favorite coffee shops, restaurants, or other spots to relax or enjoy a break from campus.   

~Alexandria 

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