A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Archives for February 2025

Actively Engaging in the Pillar of Community Engagement (Spring 2025, Week 7)  

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you’re having a fantastic semester so far. With the semester already flying by, now is the perfect time to think about getting more involved. At Missouri State, student engagement is one of our core pillars, and you can really embrace it by connecting with the campus community. Now that you’ve got your routine down, why not try something new? Missouri State has over 325 student organizations, ranging from academic-focused organizations to social ones, so there’s something for everyone. When you’re considering where to get involved, I’d recommend picking one organization related to your major or academic interests and another just for fun. That way, you’ll have a great balance of academic growth and a chance to unwind with friends outside of your studies.

Bear Link

Bear Link is an excellent resource for students looking to explore organizations, events, and more! It’s a great way to discover the variety of organizations MSU offers, stay up to date on upcoming events, and find important forms for your student groups. You can also access all this information on the go by downloading the Involve app.

With so many organizations to choose from, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. If you don’t see a club that fits your passion, don’t worry—you can create your own! All you need is an advisor and five other students, and you’ll be well on your way to starting a new organization. The Office of Student Engagement is here to guide you through the process.

Involvement Incentives

Joining an organization on campus comes with countless rewards! Getting involved helps you build a deeper sense of belonging and connects you with both faculty and peers. Beyond meeting amazing people, you’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, like interpersonal communication and leadership, which can enhance your resume.

When I joined organizations during my freshman year, I felt more connected to campus and had an inside track on what was happening around me. The friendships I’ve made through these groups have been incredibly meaningful, and I know they’ll stay with me long after graduation.

Takeaways

As students, we’re all here to focus on our academics and pursue our education, but it’s also important to remember the value of building connections that make our experience more meaningful and enjoyable. Joining an organization is a fantastic way to actively engage with Missouri State’s public affairs mission while forming those important connections. If you’re unsure where to start or need help finding an organization, consider meeting with a success coach or peer mentor. They can provide great guidance in navigating your options and aligning your interests with the right opportunities. Wishing you all a successful rest of the semester—Go Bears!

~Melyssa  

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois)



Exam Results- Identifying Areas of Improvement and Celebration (Spring 2025, Week 5)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you’ve had a great start to the semester. Now that you’ve got a few weeks under your belt, you might be facing your first exam or quiz. It can feel a little intimidating, but don’t worry—I’ve got some advice to help you study effectively and improve for the next one! When preparing for an exam or quiz, remember to approach it with a growth mindset. Every step forward, even if it’s small, means you’re improving. The knowledge you gain now will help you become an even better student in the long run! 

Studying Preparation

Be sure to set aside enough time to prepare for your next exam! This looks different for everyone, but it’s important to avoid cramming. Breaking up your study time into manageable chunks will help you retain more information and reduce stress. The Center for Learning and Writing (Bear CLAW) is a fantastic resource to support your studying! It’s a free tutoring service available to students by appointment or during drop-in hours. Tutors are available on a wide range of subjects, including Science, Math, and English. They’re students helping students, which creates a more relaxed and informal environment. In addition to 1:1 tutoring sessions, they offer a Presentation Center and Writing Center to assist with specific needs.

If you prefer studying in a group, consider forming a study group to help reinforce your understanding of the material. Study groups can be a great way to tackle difficult topics, as your peers might explain things in ways that make more sense to you. Plus, they’re great for building confidence and support as you prepare for your exam!

After the Exam 

After you take your exam, take a moment to be proud of yourself for completing it! Now you have valuable insight into how your professor administers exams and the types of content they focus on. This information will help you better prepare for future exams. If you’re still unclear about any of the material, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors and attend their office hours. They can offer advice for your next exam and may even be willing to go over your exam with you. Missouri State is lucky to have professors who genuinely care about helping students succeed.

Takeaways

When you receive your exam results, don’t be discouraged if the outcome isn’t what you were hoping for. There’s always room for improvement, and you can continue working toward your goals. As you do, consider meeting with a success coach or peer mentor. They can offer academic tips, support, and guidance on other topics as well. Also, remember to tailor your studying habits to what works best for you. There are plenty of people and resources here to help you succeed.

For more tips and information, take a look at our other posts that talk about exams. 

I hope you all have a great academic semester, and Go Bears!

~Melyssa  

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois) 



New Year, Improved You! (Spring 2025, Week 4)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you enjoyed your first weeks back at school and are adjusting to your new routine. With the winter semester upon us, we can also celebrate the new year! While the “New Year, New Me” mentality may be cheesy we can apply this sentiment to ourselves this academic semester. With the new semester, we are in different classes, around different faces, and adapting to new schedules which may be intimidating at first. Don’t you worry, while change may be scary, change allows us to grow and be better versions of ourselves.

Tips on how to succeed in the new semester

1. Plan to attend classes regularly!

The cooler season can sometimes make staying cozy at home seem like the better option, but consistency is key when it comes to success in your studies. Attending class regularly helps you stay engaged, absorb new information in real-time, and allows you to participate in discussions and activities. Plus, missing class can lead to gaps in understanding and additional stress later when trying to catch up. The momentum of attending class regularly will help you stay on track for the entire semester.

2. Plan out your week in advance.

Organizing your time effectively is one of the best ways to keep stress in check throughout the semester. By using a paper planner or digital tools like Google Calendar, you can create a visual layout of your week, helping you identify deadlines, exams, study times, and breaks. Breaking down each task into manageable steps will help you keep procrastination down and make your tasks feel more achievable.

Peer Mentor tip: Don’t have a planner? Stop by the CAST office (Meyer Library 116) to pick up a free planner!

3. Reach out to your instructors early.

Don’t wait until you’re struggling to reach out to your professors. Getting to know them early in the semester can be incredibly beneficial. Introduce yourself, express interest in the course, and ask any questions after reviewing the first week’s material. By reaching out early, you show initiative and commitment to succeeding in their class.

4. Make a Friend in Class!

With the new semester, everyone is getting in the groove of their new classes. A familiar face in class will help you feel more comfortable and connected to the course. Having a study buddy or someone to share ideas with can significantly increase your understanding of the content. Making friends in class can lead to better engagement and create a more enjoyable classroom atmosphere. Plus, friends can help you when you miss a class or need clarification on something.

Reach out for help

Be sure to request to meet with a success coach or peer mentor if you have any questions. They are wonderful resources to use, whether to learn about Missouri State, and academics, or just have someone to talk to. The Center for Academic Success and Transition is always here to support the students in their overall success and well-being.

Takeaways

Take this new semester, new year opportunity and make it the best academic year yet! While I have only provided a couple of tips, be sure to find out what works for you! Being in the unknown this semester may be scary, take the strides to help improve yourself! Know that there are resources and people always there to support you. I hope everyone has a great rest of their semester and Go Bears!

~Melyssa

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois)