A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

2026 First-Gen Celebration Week

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2026 First-Gen Celebration Week Flyer

Find more information on Instagram: @MSUBearsLead, @MOStateOSE, @MSUImFirst

First-Gen Celebration Week Events

Monday, November 2nd

    • Tote Bag Making: OSE Lobby, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Balancing Your Time & Money: Meyer Library 107, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
      • Learn how to build time management and budgeting skills and how having these skills can positively impact your life.
      • Includes activities and tools that will be practical in everyday life.
    • MSU: I’m First First-Gen Celebration: Meyer Library 120, 4 – 5 p.m.
      • Come celebrate being the FIRST in your family! Diamond art Bear Heads while supplies last.

Tuesday, November 3rd

Wednesday, November 4th

    • Adult Student Tabling Event: PSU Lobby, 8:30 – 11 a.m.
    • National Candy Day: PSU Food Court, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Study Session: Meyer Library 107, 6 – 9 p.m.

Thursday, November 5th

    • First-Gen & Friends: Meyer Library Lobby, 1 – 3 p.m.
      • First-Gen wall, cookies and prizes!
    • Lunch & Learn: PSU 315, 12 – 1 p.m.
    • Cooking Talks: Kampeter 435, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.

Friday, November 6th

Collaborating Campus Resource Offices

Meet your NEW Success Coaches! (Fall 2026, Week 11)

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Meet our GA Success Coaches behind CAST! Our Success Coaches are here to support, encourage and help students make the most of their time at Missouri State. We asked them a few fun questions so you can get to know the people who are always ready to cheer you on! 

First up, meet Daniel! Daniel is new to CAST this year, and we’re so grateful to have him on our team! He’s already making a difference as a Success Coach, and we appreciate all the hard work he brings to the office! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself?  

  • My name is Daniel and I am originally from Greenfield, Missouri and graduated from Missouri State last semester (Spring 2026) with a Bachelor of Science in English Literature. I am currently getting a master’s in Student Affairs and Higher Education. In my free time, I like spending time with my friends, playing video games and reading.

Daniel PaigeIs there any midterm/finals advice you would give to students?  

  • First and foremost, don’t forget to study, but also don’t forget to relax and reward yourself whenever you do well.

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach? 

  • Students should meet with a success coach so they can really develop the skills they may not have had the opportunity to yet. During our meetings, we typically help students plan their schedules and learn general study skills, which are skills that students will need to have in college. Beyond just talking about what you may be struggling with, everyone needs somebody that they can also talk to about what their successes are. 

What is a personal habit or routine that helps you stay motivated, balanced, and at your best?  

  • Maintaining a planner. I prefer my planner digitally because I know I will always have it on me, but some people prefer having a paper version. No matter what the form is, though, everyone should have a planner so that they can keep track of what’s coming up and have a good bird’s eye view of all their activities (classes, orgs, work, etc.). 

Why did you decide to go to graduate school?  

  • I wanted to go to graduate school because I wanted to learn more about the career I am going into, as well as make myself a more competitive candidate. Additionally, I was very excited about pushing myself to do more research, which my program focuses on greatly. 

Meet Kaydley! She brings plenty of positive energy, laughter and fun energy to the CAST office. Her upbeat personality makes her students feel comfortable, whether they’re stopping by for support, advice or just a friendly face.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Kaydley Herndon

  • My name is Kaydley Herndon and I am from Billings, Missouri. I am currently pursuing my Masters in School Counseling to become a middle school counselor.  I love to hammock, bake and read in my free time. I love a time piece like Little House on the Prairie or Pride and Prejudice; I could (do) watch them over and over again for sure.  

Is there any midterm/finals advice you would give to students?  

  • My advice to students is to have a routine!! Routines are great and help create healthy and successful habits. Incorporating study time, enough rest, and relaxation time is important to everyone’s routine. Especially with large tests, studying ahead of time and getting enough sleep can make a big difference!   

Why do you think students should meet with a success coach? 

  • Students should meet with a success coach because it’s fun! We are a resource for them to help support their long-term success at Missouri State. Success coaching is a no-lose situation; it’s free, not a major time commitment, and we have so many tips and techniques for students!   

What is a personal habit or routine that helps you stay motivated, balanced, and at your best?  

  • I incorporate many little things to help stay balanced and at my best such as Culvers Wednesdays, doing homework in a coffee shop on Fridays and playing the piano once I get home in the evening. Each activity encourages me to stay motivated and balanced throughout my week!   

Why did you decide to go to graduate school? 

  • Graduate school has always been part of my plan as I need a master’s degree to become a school counselor. I additionally wanted to learn hands-on skills that will help me better support my future students. 

Our Success Coaches are here to help students feel supported, encouraged and confident throughout their college experience. Whether you need help finding resources, staying on track or just someone in your corner, the CAST Success Coaches are always ready to help you succeed at Missouri State!  

~Carsyn Vincent 

(Bio: I am a third-year International Business Management Major with a Minor in Marketing. A fun fact about me is that I love to listen to music, specifically Noah Kahan and Bella Kay.) 

Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to College (Fall 2026, Week 2)

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Note from CAST: Last May, we asked Sophia, one of our spring peer mentors, to write this post with tips for new students. Enjoy!

It’s August, which means another fall semester is starting at Missouri State! Let’s hop back into the school year ready to succeed. Looking back at my four semesters at Mo State, here are ten things I wish I knew coming to college for the first time.

1. Budgeting

We all know college can cost a pretty penny, and it’s important to be mindful of spending when you come to college! With the newfound independence of attending a university, it can be easy to let money slip. Going shopping with friends, eating dinner out or getting coffee adds up quickly. It is important to budget your finances! For me, this looks like a set amount of money for spending each week. This includes fun activities as well as anything I may need and helps me keep sight of how much I can spend.

2. Campus Resources

Missouri State offers a wide variety of resources for students, including the Bear CLAW, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors, Magers Health and Wellness and the Counseling Center. These are just a few resources accessible to all students. It’s our job to take advantage of available resources, so when you first arrive, take time to explore what’s available and don’t be afraid to try them out. From my experience, stepping out of your comfort zone is always worth it!

3. Take Time for Yourself

College is a new and constantly changing environment, so it is crucial to take care of yourself and your mental health. Adjusting to a new social setting while managing academic pressure can be overwhelming at times. It is okay to take a break, recharge and prioritize your well-being.

The Counseling Center offers free counseling services sessions to all current students. You can schedule an appointment online to get connected. Taking care of yourself is not falling behind; it is setting yourself up for success!

4. Trial Schedule Builder

Missouri State’s Trial Schedule Builder, which you can access through the registration card on MyMissouriState, is the most efficient, simple and effective way to plan your schedule for the upcoming semester. Once you meet with your advisor and decide what classes you need to take, you can enter the course code into the database and it will create a mock schedule for you. It allows you to see class time flexibility, professor names, how many spots are available in the class, where each class is located and if the class is offered online or in person.

Once you are satisfied with a schedule, you can simply send the schedule to your online “shopping cart” where it will be ready for you to register. I highly recommend using this tool to plan your future schedule!

5. Bear Pantry

Want some extra snacks or groceries? You don’t even need to leave campus! The Bear Pantry has a variety of food options available to students who may need it. From ramen packets to fresh vegetables, it’s definitely worth looking around! Additionally, they have student volunteer opportunities if you are looking to serve our community. The Bear Pantry is on the first floor of the Plaster Student Union and its hours are posted on the website.

6. Change happens!

This time of life is a big transition for most people. Friendships may prosper or drift, your relationship with your family may shift and you will find things you enjoy or don’t prefer. Having an open mind to change is crucial. Leo Buscaglia, a motivational speaker and author, once said “change is the end result of all true learning.” Take this as an opportunity to discover yourself and grow through the hardships, experiences and joys of being a college student.

7. Get Involved

Missouri State has over 300 student organizations, so everyone can find what they enjoy the most. Being involved on campus is a great way to prevent home sickness, feel connected on campus and meet other students. Don’t stress, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about other organizations on campus. I am a part of multiple organizations and this has made my college experience so special. As mentioned before, it doesn’t hurt to try something out! I recommend going to two club meetings before you decide whether to join or not.

Peer Mentor tip: Check out next week’s A Bear’s Life post for more information and tips on getting involved with student organizations!

8. Bear Line

The Bear Line is one of my favorite campus resources; I use it almost every day. It is a shuttle system that transports students around campus and parts of Springfield. It is easy to use because each route is color coded. For example, the purple and blue routes are perfect for traveling from the Foster Recreation Center to Cherry and Elm Street. You can track where each bus is via the Passio Go app, and it will tell you down to the minute how far the bus is from a stop. This makes transportation easy and is especially helpful if you are on a time crunch. I recommend this to all students!

9. Professors Want You to Succeed

Attending college brings more independence and therefore more responsibility. It is your job to seek guidance and support if you are struggling. Don’t be afraid to attend your professor’s office hours or reach out to a graduate assistant. While college can be full of fun events and activities, we are here to be students first. Your professors want to help you succeed, so don’t be shy! At first, I struggled to talk to my professors when I had questions but now that I overcame that obstacle, I see that it is so helpful to reach out. It also builds a relationship between you and the professor, which can be helpful for future letters of recommendation. It shows character and determination to ask questions!

10. Planning Ahead

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to think about the future. Now, you shouldn’t stress or become anxious over the unknown but instead be mindful of what lies a few steps ahead. For example, focus on taking classes that are related to your major and plan out when you complete an internship or fieldwork hours. Furthermore, if you know you will need a new car in the next few years, start putting money aside now. It is key to find a balance between living in the moments of college and remembering that this is a transitional stage and therefore preparing for the future. The Career Center is an amazing resource to help you think about your next steps, build your resume and even look for internship/job opportunities.

Looking for guidance in classes or wanting to talk to someone about campus resources? Book an appointment with a success coach or peer mentor.

Takeaways

These are a few things I wish I knew before starting college. My biggest advice is to get involved, try new things, be open to change and work hard. College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so soak it in! Don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you’re having academic difficulties and seek guidance from the Counseling Center if you have mental health struggles. You can do this!

~Sophia Clinton

(Bio: I am a third-year Exercise Science major at Mo State. Fun Fact about me is that I am the President of Pre-Occupational Therapy club.)

Graduate School Tips (Fall 2025, Week 5)

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Note from CAST: Last spring, we asked our two graduating peer mentors, Melyssa and Daniel, to write this post about applying for grad school since they had recently gone through that process. Enjoy!

Hello Bears! As you begin thinking about life after your undergraduate journey, a lot of possibilities might come to mind. Whether it’s starting a job, moving back home, or continuing your education.

Pursuing graduate school can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge and grow academically and professionally. For some career paths, earning a master’s degree may be essential; for others, it might simply be a valuable way to stand out and expand your skills.

Here in the CAST office, we peer mentors want to support you in this exciting next step. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips and tricks to guide you as you prepare for graduate school.

Tips of Success:

  • Start thinking about your letters of recommendation early!

    Whether it’s a professor you’ve had in class or a colleague you’ve worked closely with, choose someone who can genuinely speak to your work ethic and character. If you’re not sure who to ask yet, that’s okay, start reaching out to professors or mentors to build those connections. The earlier you begin, the better prepared you’ll be!

  • When requesting a letter of recommendation, try to ask in person whenever possible.

    It’s a meaningful way to strengthen your connection and show genuine appreciation for their support. If meeting in person isn’t an option or you feel uncomfortable, that’s perfectly okay. Just be sure to send a thoughtful email instead. Aim to make your request at least a month before the deadline to give them plenty of time to write a strong letter.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

    When I started thinking about grad school, I had no idea where to begin—especially as the first in my family to pursue a master’s degree. I felt overwhelmed and anxious, but reaching out made all the difference. I asked professors I trusted for their advice, and I also leaned on peers and friends who were either in graduate school or considering it themselves. If you’re feeling lost or unsure, I highly recommend visiting the Career Center. They were incredibly helpful with reviewing my CV, crafting my personal statement, preparing for interviews, and more. Best of all, it’s a free resource available to all Missouri State students! Please don’t hesitate to take advantage of it!

  • Give yourself plenty of time to complete your applications.

    One of my biggest tips is to create a schedule or list of important deadlines. I used an Excel sheet to keep track of when each application was due, which helped me manage my time and avoid last-minute stress. Spacing out the work gave me the chance to put my best effort into each part of the process. I highly recommend you find a system that works for you in order to keep yourself organized. 

  • Take some time to look into each school and get a feel for what their program offers.

    As you go through them, make a list of pros and cons for each one. This can really help when it comes time for interviews: you’ll be able to talk about the program in a more informed and positive way. It also makes it easier to figure out which school is the right fit for you in the long run. Having those notes on hand is a great way to refresh your memory when you’re making your final decision, and they might even be the thing that helps you choose between two great options.

Takeaways: 

The graduate school process can definitely feel overwhelming and even a little scary at first, but remember to give yourself grace. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. At the same time, take steps to prepare yourself to be the strongest candidate you can be, and don’t hesitate to ask for support along the way. The CAST office is a great resource, offering Success Coaches who can help with a variety of topics. Since they’re also graduate assistants, they’ve been through the application process themselves and truly understand what you’re going through. Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or just a bit of encouragement, they’re here to help guide you through the journey.

 

(Bios: Melyssa Hernandez and David Kim are CAST Peer Mentor alums who are both now graduate students. Melyssa is in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and Daniel is in a Cancer Biology PhD program.)

Meet Success Coach Abby (Fall 2025, Week 3)

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Happy September, Missouri State Bears! Last week, we met one of our newest Success Coaches. This week, we are meeting Abby who has been a Success Coach for a year. Abby would love to help set you up for success and be your biggest cheerleader!! Come visit the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) office, located in the Meyer Library, room 116.

Abby Horn

Abby Horn
Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University
  • Academic area of interest:

I am currently getting my Master’s in speech-language pathology.

  • Beginning of semester advice:

A piece of advice is to stay on top of assignments and tasks from the beginning of the semester. Planners are also very important and they can help you stay on top of your course work. The syllabus is also important to look at because it has all the information you need. It can be overwhelming but I promise that it will be okay.

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

  • What is your favorite thing about being a Success Coach?

My favorite thing about being a Success Coach is connecting with students and being able to watch them thrive here at MSU. I also want to make sure that students have a good experience while they are here and that they know they have a support system with us.

  • What is your favorite year in college and why?

My favorite year in school was my senior year of undergraduate. I felt like I had something to look forward to especially because this is the year that I got accepted into grad school. I loved hanging out with my friends this year and just knowing that I have a support system behind me.

  • Post-graduate advice:

You are not expected to have it all figured out when you graduate but, at least have an idea of what you would like to do in your last semester. I would also make sure to secure those professional relationships because those could be helpful in the future, especially with recommendations. Lastly, be proud of what you have accomplished!!

  • How do you practice self-care?

I make sure to do activities that I find enjoyment in like workout classes. It helps me get my mind off of things and it helps me feel accomplished. I also really enjoy hanging out with my friends because they always make me feel better. Definitely make sure to not neglect your hobbies.

 

~Brooklyn
(Bio: My name is Brooklyn Crawford and I am currently getting my Master’s of Social Work at MSU. Fun fact: I have over 600 physical book at home.)