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

Getting Involved on Campus (Fall 2026, Week 3)

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Did you know that involved students are more likely to graduate on time and with better grades? Missouri State knows that your life outside the classroom is just as important as your life inside of it. That’s why the university offers over 300 student organizations, along with unique opportunities in student employment and undergraduate research. 

The “Why”: More Than Just a Resume Builder 

Why should you join a student org? The biggest reason is connection. Starting college can feel overwhelming, and finding a “home” on a large campus makes a world of difference. Creating relationships with people who share your interests helps you feel like a part of the Bear community rather than just a face in the crowd. 

Beyond friendship, getting involved unlocks doors you won’t find in a textbook. Many major-specific organizations offer: 

  • Exclusive networking with industry professionals. 
  • Travel opportunities to national conferences. 
  • Hands-on leadership experience that employers crave. 

How to Choose the Right Organization 

With 300+ options, it can be difficult to choose an organization. To narrow it down, start by asking yourself what you hope to accomplish. At Missouri State, organizations generally fall into three buckets: 

  • Academic/Professional: Built around your major or future career. 
  • Personal Interest: Focused on hobbies, fun and relaxation. 
  • Identity & Faith: Dedicated to religious, cultural, LGBTQ+  and other communities. 

Peer Mentor Tip: The Two-Meeting Rule. It’s important to attend at least two meetings before making a final judgment. The first meeting of the semester is often just logistics and icebreakers. If you find the first one a little slow, give it one more shot to see the “full picture” of the group’s dynamic. If it still doesn’t click, don’t get discouraged; your group is out there, you just have to keep exploring! 

How to Get Started 

Ready to jump in? Here are the two easiest ways to get connected: 

  • Log into BearLink: This is the central hub for every organization on campus. You can search by category, find contact information for club presidents and see a calendar of upcoming events. 
  • The “Buddy System”: Talk to people in your residence hall or your Gen Ed classes. Chances are, they are looking for a club to join, too. Going to a meeting in a group is much less intimidating than walking in by yourself! 

Need help getting involved on campus? We can help!  Request to meet with a Success Coach or Peer Mentor today! 

 

~Eternity Lawson  

(Bio: I am a third year Agriculture Communications Student here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.)

My Favorite Things About Being A Bear (Spring 2026, Week 5)

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Hi, everyone! My name is Eternity, and I’m a Peer Mentor here at the CAST office. I’m currently a junior majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Equine Science (horses). Part of my job is having the pleasure of writing this blog, and this week I wanted to share a few of my favorite things about being a Missouri State Bear. 

The People 

One of the biggest things I love about MSU is the community. There are so many genuinely kind people on campus, and I love the energy of meeting someone new. Being here has taught me how to connect with people from all different backgrounds and opinions, an invaluable life lesson I’ll take with me long after graduation. 

Most importantly, I’ve made amazing friends. Making friends can be tricky when you’re moving to a new city and starting a new chapter, but I’ve been so lucky. Between my classes, student organizations, and work, I’ve found a support system that makes Springfield feel more like home. 

 

Peer Mentor Tip: A great way to connect with peers is by joining a student organization. “Bear Link” on the MSU website has information about over 300 organizations that may be a good fit for you.  

The Classes  

I love that my academics aren’t just about textbooks; they have “real-world” components. For example, this semester I’m taking a class about the use of horses in therapy. I don’t just sit in a lecture hall; I get to work with the horses at MSU and volunteer at a local facility to see hippotherapy (horse-assisted therapy) in action firsthand. 

Even in my larger classes, my instructors are reachable and genuinely willing to help. It gives me that “small school” community feel even though we are a large university. Plus, since I see many of the same students in my major from semester to semester, I’ve been able to build really strong relationships with my peers. 

The Darr Ag Center: Have you been to the Darr Agricultural Center yet? It’s a 90-to-125-acre space just 10 minutes from the main campus. It houses academic buildings, livestock, and my personal favorite: Pinegar Arena. It feels surreal that right in the middle of Springfield, MSU students have a place to interact with nature and get that hands-on experience. 

Peer Mentor Tip: A great way to learn more about opportunities within your major is to go to an instructor’s office hours. Sometimes just building a relationship with an instructor in your area of study can lead you to new opportunities you never thought possible.  

The Location 

Coming from a rural area in central Missouri, I wasn’t used to having so many options! I love how close campus is to downtown. One of my favorite parts of living in Springfield is exploring the food scene and finding new activities. Whether it’s grabbing a bite at a new restaurant or catching a movie, downtown is just minutes away and is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends. 

Peer Mentor Tip: Want a cheap night out? Multiple movie theaters in the area have “College Nights” with discounted tickets on Tuesdays. Just bring your BearPass! 

Takeaways 

What’s Your Missouri Statement? I’ve shared my “Big Three” the people, the unique classes, and the Springfield location, but everyone’s MSU experience looks a little different. Whether you’re here for your specific major or you love a Tuesday movie night downtown, there is so much to appreciate about this campus. 

Need help finding your place here at MSU? Peer Mentors and Success Coaches can work with you on finding ways to get involved on campus. Visit our Student Academic Assistance page to learn more and to request to meet with a mentor or coach 

I’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing that has made your time as a Bear special so far? Let me know in the comments. 

~Eternity Lawson  

(Bio: I am a second year Agriculture Communications Student here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.) 

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

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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: 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.)

My MSU Story (Spring 2025, Week 15)

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Welcome back Bears! I hope everyone’s been enjoying the warmer weather and making the most of these final weeks of the semester. With the end of the year coming up fast, I’ve been thinking about how far we’ve all come. In early May, I’ll be walking the stage at commencement. As that day gets closer, I’ve been reflecting on my time here at MSU—why I chose Missouri State, and more importantly, why I decided to stay.

Why did I choose MSU: 

During my senior year of high school, I was hearing back from the colleges I’d applied to and facing a big decision. At the time, COVID was still a major factor, influencing the choices of students across the country. I remember seeing an email from Missouri State that read, “Apply today for free,” which caught my attention.

When it came down to making my decision, financial factors played a huge role. I took a leap of faith and applied to Missouri State, and was not only accepted but also offered financial aid. As a triplet, with both of my siblings also heading to college, making the most financially sound decision was crucial.

I was fortunate enough to make the drive to Springfield for a campus tour, which became a memorable day trip for my family and me. We explored MSU’s campus and the surrounding area, and we quickly fell in love with what both the university and Springfield had to offer. It became clear that Missouri State was the right choice for me.

Why do I choose to stay: 

When I first stepped onto campus, I’ll admit I was nervous—especially since I didn’t know anyone. Facing the fear of the unknown, I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone and build new friendships. Thanks to my scholarship, I was able to get involved in various campus events, connecting with students from all kinds of backgrounds.

One of the things I cherish most about Missouri State is the sense of community. Joining different organizations has helped me find my home away from home. Even during moments when I felt isolated or anxious, I was able to lean on my friends and professors for support and guidance.

My biggest tip: Get involved in at least one organization! It’s a great way to build connections, find your community, and create lasting memories.

Another reason I chose to stay at MSU is the amazing staff across every department. As a Psychology major, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with professors and staff from various disciplines, learning new things outside of my field. Despite being part of a large university, MSU has a tight-knit feel—there’s always someone looking out for you.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here—whether it’s research projects, conferences, or the lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way.

No matter what you’re going through, remember that you’re never alone here. There are always people supporting you. Missouri State is a place where you can try new things and grow.

Takeaways 

College is an amazing time to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and create lasting memories. One quote I live by is, “Growth doesn’t happen when you’re comfortable.” Challenge yourself every day to become the best version of yourself. Whether you’re graduating this semester or finishing your first year, take a moment to be proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and make sure to enjoy these final weeks.

The Center for Academic Success and Transition is a fantastic resource to support your success throughout your college journey. I highly encourage you to meet with a peer mentor or success coach—they can help connect you to valuable resources and provide guidance as you navigate your next steps.

~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)