At the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST), we currently have three undergraduate students employed as peer mentors. Their role is to meet with students to discuss campus resources, how to get involved at MSU, and so much more. 

Meet Sophia, Carsyn and me, Eternity! 

Sophia 

A little bit about yourself? 

My name is Sophia Clinton and I am a sophomore at MSU majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in nutrition. My goal down the road is to become a pediatric occupational therapist! I enjoy spending time with friends and am on the executive board of my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. I love running, especially in the nice weather. I also am a part of Pre-Occupational therapy club and work at the Foster Recreation Center as a Fitness Attendant! 

Favorite study spot on campus?  

My favorite study spot on campus is using the walking desks on the second floor of the Meyer Library! The desk sits right in front of a window with a beautiful view of the fountain and campus!

One way to get involved at MSU? 

Attend events! Especially, not limited to, the welcome week events at the beginning of the year. Furthermore, be intentional! I am still friends with people I met at my SOAR session because I attended all the activities with an open and welcoming mindset. Keep this mentality throughout the year with classes, clubs, and more so you can feel more connected!  

Favorite part about being a peer mentor? 

 My favorite part about being a peer mentor is getting to show students the amazing opportunities Missouri State has to offer! College can be such a fun experience if you use your resources and find ways to get involved! 

What is one way you practice self-care? 

 One way I practice self-care is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I have two jobs and am involved in multiple extracurriculars while trying to balance schoolwork. One way to minimize stress is to work diligently during the day and then turn off my computer after 6pm. This way I have time for my friends and am able to relax for a bit each day.  

Favorite thing to do in Springfield? 

 One of my favorite things to do in Springfield is try new coffee shops! 

What is one thing you wish you knew your freshman year of college? 

 One thing I wish I knew about the freshman year of college was to trust the process! Everything is so new and unfamiliar, but before you know it, the people you meet at college become your closest friends. Even though you may face struggles and obstacles when adjusting to college, take a deep breath and relax! College can feel overwhelming but can also be wonderful.  

Carsyn 

A little bit about yourself? 

 Hi! My name is Carsyn Vincent. I am a Management and Leadership major with a minor in Marketing in the College of Business. I also work as a Peer Mentor in the CAST department, where I help support students and make their transition to college a little easier. When I am not at work, you will find me in the gym, on walks around campus, or cooking and watching movies with my friends! 

Favorite study spot on campus? 

My favorite study spot on campus is the Roy Blunt Hall balcony. I love that it overlooks the fountain and has a great view of Glass Hall, which is my favorite building on campus.  

One way to get involved at MSU? 

A great way to get involved at MSU is by joining clubs! I always recommend joining one club related to your major, one that connects with your interests, and one that is just for fun. It’s a great way to meet people and feel more connected to campus.  

Favorite part about being a peer mentor?  

My favorite part about being a peer mentor is helping make students’ lives on campus a little easier. Whether that means answering questions, sharing advice, or helping them find resources, I love supporting students as they adjust to college.  

What is one way you practice self-care?

One way I practice self-care is by going to the gym and prioritizing my health. Staying active helps me manage stress and keep a good balance between school and personal life.  

Favorite thing to do in Springfield? 

Some of my favorite things to do in Springfield are going to my favorite mexican restaurant with friends, attending MSU Baseball or Hockey games, and exploring hiking trails around the area.  

What is one thing you wish you knew your freshman year of college 

One thing I wish I knew during my freshman year is to use the resources available to you! College can be challenging in many ways, but there are so many people and services here to help you succeed. Taking advantage of those resources can make your college experience much easier. 

Eternity  

A little bit about yourself? 

Hi! My name is Eternity and I am a junior here at Missouri State. I am majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Equine Science. I love spending time with friends and riding horses; I’m actually a member of the Missouri State Equestrian team, where I both ride and manage our social media! When I’m not at work or at the barn, you can usually find me cooking and watching movies with my roommates. 

Favorite study spot on campus? 

My favorite study spot is on the 4th floor of the PSU, especially in the evening. It’s much quieter than the lower floors, and the chairs are incredibly comfortable.

One way to get involved at MSU? 

One way to get involved is by talking to peers in your classes! I know it can be a little intimidating, but forming study groups and collaborating with those around you is a fantastic way to build lasting connections and open the door for more opportunities to attend events, join groups, and more. 

Favorite part about being a peer mentor? 

I can’t pick just one, so I’ll give you two! I love meeting with students for one-on-one conversations, and I also really enjoy writing this blog. Both allow me to connect with others in ways that tie directly back to my academic and professional goals. 

What is one way you practice self-care? 

I practice self-care by intentionally scheduling “me time.” College gets busy, and it’s easy to let your hobbies slide. By putting personal time on my calendar, I can take a break from school and work guilt-free. During these breaks, I love to read, watch TV, scroll through social media, or call my family. 

Favorite thing to do in Springfield? 

I love exploring local restaurants and going to the movies. There are so many great spots downtown just minutes from campus. I’m also a big fan of discounted tickets on Tuesdays at the local theaters—it’s the best night to catch a movie with friends! 

What is one thing you wish you knew about your freshman year? 

I wish I had known that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. College is a season for learning and personal growth. If your path changes along the way, don’t worry, that’s often a sign of progress, not a mistake. 

Takeaways  

After hearing from Sophia, Carsyn and Eternity, a few “pro-tips” for a successful semester stand out: 

• Find Your Study Space: Whether it’s the walking desks at Meyer Library, the balcony at Roy Blunt Hall or the quiet 4th floor of the PSU, finding a study spot you actually enjoy makes a world of difference. 

• Get Involved: From attending Welcome Week events and joining major-specific clubs to simply starting a conversation with the person sitting next to you in class connection is the key to feeling at home at MSU. 

• Prioritize “Me Time”: Success isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s about balance. Set some “me time”, hit the gym  or schedule your hobbies into your calendar just like you would a class. 

• Trust the Process: It is completely normal to not have everything figured out on day one. Use the resources available to you, ask questions and remember that changing your path is a sign of growth. 

Ready to Connect? 

You don’t have to navigate college alone. Whether you need help finding a specific campus resource, want to talk through your involvement options or just want to hear more about our favorite local coffee shops, we are here for you. Meet with a Peer Mentor today and start building your campus connection.