CAST, Author at A Bear's Life: Student Stories

A Q&A With Our New Student Success Coach (Fall 2025, Week 2)

August 26, 2025 by CAST

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! You will see a lot of familiar faces in the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) this year but we do have a new success coach!!

It is time to reintroduce the Success Coaches that we have this year, along with the TAs. Success Coaches assist students in learning valuable tools to help them succeed here at college. What is nice about our Success Coaches and TAs is that we have been through the college process and have finished/are finishing graduate school. We know what it is like being in your shoes and we want to help you!! The CAST office is equipped with TAs and Success Coaches who are here for all bears!

Q&A with Jack Baumgart, Student Success Coach

What is your academic area of interest?

I am now graduated but I did study psychology and music in my undergraduate schooling. I then got my master’s in industrial/organizational psychology.

What beginning of semester advice do you have for students?

Plan out a solid weekly schedule of what you would like to do that week and when it is due. Schedule out when you have class, work, study time, and some free time to be with yourself and friends.

What is your favorite thing about being a success coach?

My favorite thing about being a success coach is being the person that somebody feels comfortable coming to for assistance.

What is your favorite year in college and why?

My favorite year in school was my last year while I was in graduate school. With it being the last year, that meant that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I felt like I finally had my head on my shoulders.

Post-graduate advice:

Enjoy your time off before getting a job. Spend time with friends, family, and enjoy your time outside.

How do you practice self-care?

I like to plan times with myself doing things I enjoy like kayaking or even just watching a movie in bed.

~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 books at home.)

Start of a New Year (Fall 2025, Week 1)

August 19, 2025 by CAST

Note from CAST: Last spring, we asked Melyssa, one of our graduating peer mentors, to write this post on getting a great start to a new semester. Enjoy!

Welcome, Bears, to the first week of classes! As you begin to settle in, especially if it’s your first time away from home, remember that this is a chance for a fresh start. Take this opportunity to create a routine that works for you, find your balance, and build habits that support your goals.

I remember starting my freshman year feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, eager for new beginnings. With so much change happening at once, I knew I needed to find a rhythm that felt right for me and that made all the difference.

Tips on how to do so:

Start a conversation with someone in your class, you never know where it might lead! Step outside your comfort zone and take the first step, because most people are also looking to make new friends. Having even one familiar face in class can make a big difference and help you feel more comfortable.
Take some time to get familiar with campus! Whether you’re living in the residence halls or commuting to class, exploring your surroundings can make a big difference. Walk a few laps around campus to get a feel for where everything is located. You won’t learn it all overnight, but with time, it’ll become second nature. Personally, I love hopping on the Bear Line to discover new spots, like the downtown area or Elm and Cherry Street.
Remember, the first week of school doesn’t have to be perfect. You’re still figuring out your routine and getting a feel for what the semester will look like. Be open to trying new things—even if they don’t go exactly as planned, that’s okay. This is just the beginning of what can be a great academic year.

Takeaways:

The start of a new year is the perfect time to discover new interests, make friends, and explore fresh hobbies. Missouri State offers a wide range of resources and opportunities to help you succeed. If you ever need help finding your way around or adjusting to campus life, the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) is here for you. Our Success Coaches are ready to support you, ease any nerves, and help make your transition into college life as smooth as possible.

~Melyssa

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a CAST Peer Mentor alum. Fun Fact: It’s the start of a new year for me, too, as I begin life as a graduate student in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.)

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (Spring 2025, Week 14)

April 14, 2025 by CAST

When I was in middle school in Saudi Arabia, I decided to become a lawyer. By 12th grade, I planned to study law in the U.S., only to learn that it required a bachelor’s degree first. Since many pre-law students chose political science, I did the same—despite having no background in American politics.

In class, I felt out of place. My classmates confidently discussed political theories and global affairs, while I struggled to keep up. I often wondered, “Did I get here by luck?” or “What if they realize I don’t know as much as they do?” These thoughts held me back, making me hesitant to speak in discussions.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was experiencing imposter syndrome—the feeling that I wasn’t as capable as others believed, despite my achievements.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that persistent voice in your head telling you that you’re a fraud, that your success is just luck, and that sooner or later, people will “find out” you’re not as smart or talented as they think. Studies show that nearly 70% of people experience it at some point, especially in competitive academic or professional environments.

How It Showed Up in My Life

As a political science student, my imposter syndrome often flared up in these ways:

Comparing myself to classmates who seemed to grasp concepts faster.
Downplaying my accomplishments—even when I got good grades, I told myself it was just because the professor was lenient.
Avoiding participation in class because I feared saying something “unintelligent.”
Over-preparing for presentations to the point of exhaustion, just to avoid being “exposed.”

I remember once staying up all night rewriting a paper because I was convinced my first draft wasn’t “good enough,” even though my professor had praised my previous work. That’s when I realized: I wasn’t struggling with my abilities—I was struggling with my mindset.

How I Started Overcoming It

Recognizing the Pattern
- I began journaling my thoughts and noticed a trend: every time I succeeded, I dismissed it. Seeing this in writing helped me challenge those thoughts.
Talking About It
- When I opened up to friends, I was shocked to learn that many of them felt the same way—even the ones I thought were “naturally brilliant.”
Reframing My Thoughts
- Instead of “I don’t belong here,” I shifted to “I earned my place, and I’m still learning.”
- I started keeping a “win log” where I recorded small victories—like contributing in class or receiving positive feedback.
Embracing Imperfection
- I accepted that not knowing everything was normal. Political science is vast—no one has all the answers!
Seeking Mentorship
- Talking to professors and older students helped me see that even experts once felt unsure. Their advice? “Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being willing to learn.”

Tips to Combat Imposter Syndrome

If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, here’s what helped me—and might help you too:

Normalize the feeling—most high achievers experience it at some point.
Focus on progress, not perfection—growth matters more than flawless performance.
Celebrate small wins—keep a journal of achievements to remind yourself of your capabilities.
Talk about it—you’ll realize you’re not alone.
Ask for feedback—sometimes, an outside perspective can silence your inner critic.

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight, but it does get quieter. Now, when I feel that familiar doubt creeping in, I remind myself: I am here because I worked for it. My perspective matters. And I don’t have to be perfect to belong.

If you’re struggling with these feelings, know that you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not a fraud. You’ve earned your place. Keep going.

Need support?

Remember, MSU’s Counseling Center is a great resource—you get 8 free sessions every semester to talk through anything on your mind. You can also reach out to CAST for student academic assistance—sometimes, a little guidance goes a long way. Plus, your peer mentors and coaches have likely been where you are and can offer real, relatable advice.

~Yomna

(Bio: I’m Yomna Awad, a grad student in my final semester of Project Management (with a Conflict Resolution certificate!). Fun fact: My birthday is March 20th—which also happens to be the International Day of Happiness… so yes, I take the “treat yourself” mentality very seriously.)

References

Clance, P. R. (1985). The impostor phenomenon: Overcoming the fear that haunts your success. Peachtree Publishers.

Hibberd, J. (2019). The imposter cure: How to stop feeling like a fraud and escape the mind-trap of imposter syndrome. Vermilion.

Mann, S. (2019). Why do I feel like an imposter? How to understand and cope with imposter syndrome. Watkins Media.

Parkman, A. (2016). The impostor phenomenon in higher education: Incidence and impact. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 16(1), 51–60.

Vergauwe, J., Wille, B., Feys, M., De Fruyt, F., & Anseel, F. (2015). Fear of being exposed: The trait-relatedness of the impostor phenomenon and its relevance in the work context. Journal of Business and Psychology, 30(3), 565–581.

Young, V. (2011). The secret thoughts of successful women: Why capable people suffer from the impostor syndrome and how to thrive in spite of it. Crown Business.

Meet the Success Coaches (Spring 2025, Week 12)

April 4, 2025 by CAST

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! We have some more success coaches in our office that we’d love to introduce. Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as undergraduates and are here to provide academic and professional guidance to MSU students. As part of the Center for Academic Success and Transition, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors are here to support all Missouri State Bears!

Success Coaches

Abby Horn:

Academic Area of Interest: Speech Language Pathology
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My personal philosophy is to support the student the best way I can. Every student is different, so that is why I strive to listen to their unique experiences and specific concerns. Rather than telling a student what to do, I want to collaborate with the student on goal setting and the steps to take to get there. I will always be checking in and supporting them along the way.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: It is okay to ask for help! Being a new student in college can be exciting and nerve wracking all in one. You are not expected to have everything figured out right when you start, and that is okay. There are so many people across campus that want to support you, so don’t be afraid to seek out assistance when needed!
End of Semester Advice: Remind yourself of why you started in the first place! You are almost one semester closer to where you want to end up. College is a lot of work, and your plate is likely very full. It is important to try to keep the motivation up and finish strong. But it is just as important to take care of yourself and to give yourself credit for all the hard work you have put in.
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a Success Coach, because we are here to support them on their college journey! We want to help you set goals and serve as an accountability partner in achieving those. We can spend our meeting in a variety ways, whether that be discussing study strategies, time management, or getting involved. We also serve to connect students to valuable resources across campus.

Brooklyn Crawford

Academic Area of Interest: Master of Social Work
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My philosophy as a Success Coach is to help students discover their strengths, how to stay focused, and just overall succeed in what they would like to do for their future.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: I wish that students knew that everybody struggles with motivation and that is okay. It is normal to have bad days and that sometimes a little support can go a long way.
End of Semester Advice: Take time for yourself and partake in self-care. I know that the stigma is to push through it and focus on your education, but it is okay to take time for yourself.
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a success coach to have a little extra support. I always tell my students that I am here to help, provide resources, or even just be somebody that they can decompress to.

Takeaways:

As students, having access to resources like Success Coaches is incredibly helpful due to their relatable nature and the knowledge that comes with being a graduate student. Getting to know them and meeting with them can provide a lot of insight into building your academic success. Request to meet with a Success Coach by filling out the form found on our Student Academic Assistance page. There are many other Success Coaches and two Peer Mentors in the office this Spring semester, so I hope you take advantage of the services available to you!

~Daniel

(Bio: My name is Daniel Kim! I am a senior majoring in Biology: Microbiology/Biotechnology and minoring in Chemistry. Fun fact: I play more than 3 instruments!)

Meet the Success Coaches (Spring 2025, Week 9)

March 13, 2025 by CAST

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! We have some more success coaches in our office staff that we’d love to introduce. Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as undergraduates and are here to provide academic and professional guidance to MSU students. As part of the Center for Academic Success and Transition, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors are here to support all Missouri State Bears!

Success Coaches

Claire Russell:

Academic Area of Interest: Speech-Language Pathology
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My personal philosophy as a success coach is centered on building strong, trusting relationships with students. I believe that building a good rapport is essential to create a comfortable and supportive environment for each student. This dynamic allows me to better understand each student’s individual needs and help them develop the skills necessary to navigate college successfully.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: I wish all students knew that we are here to support them, and our meetings are designed to be completely individualized to fit their unique needs, concerns, and challenges. There is no one-size-fits all approach to success, and my role as a Success Coach is to provide personalized guidance that aligns with each student’s goals.
End of Semester Advice: Stay strong and keep pushing through! The end of the semester is just around the corner, so hang in there, you’ve got this!
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a success coach to help them navigate the challenges of college. No matter where they are in their academic journey, a dedicated support system can make a big difference in reaching their goals.

Yomna Awad:

Academic Area of Interest: Project Management, Conflict Resolution
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? I believe in the power of empowerment! When we lift each other up, we all grow. As a Success Coach, I find joy in encouraging students and giving them the push they need to reach their goals. Sometimes, all it takes is a little support and reassurance for students to unlock their potential. Seeing them succeed is incredibly rewarding, and knowing I played a small part in their journey brings me so much fulfillment.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: You should be proud of how far you’ve come. Every step forward big or small is an achievement worth recognizing! Success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Keep working toward your goals, one step at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate your growth along the way.
End of Semester Advice: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being while staying focused on your goals. Use the resources available on campus to help you finish strong. Remember, the break is just around the corner! Push through these final weeks, and soon you’ll have time to rest and recharge. Keep going; you’ve got this!
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Navigating university life can feel a bit overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Success Coaches are here to guide you, answer your questions, and connect you with the right campus resources. We also serve as a support system motivating, encouraging, and empowering you to reach your full potential. Whether you need help with time management, staying motivated, or balancing responsibilities, a Success Coach provides the accountability and guidance you need to take charge of your education and succeed.

Takeaways:

As students, having access to resources like Success Coaches is incredibly helpful due to their relatable nature and the knowledge that comes with being a graduate student. Getting to know them and meeting with them can provide a lot of insight into building your academic success. Request to meet with a Success Coach by filling out the form found on our Student Academic Assistance page.There are many other Success Coaches and two Peer Mentors in the office this Spring semester, so I hope you take advantage of the services available to you!

~Daniel

(Bio: My name is Daniel Kim! I am a senior majoring in Biology: Microbiology/Biotechnology and minoring in Chemistry. Fun fact: I play more than 3 instruments!)

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