Peer Mentors Archives - A Bear's Life: Student Stories

A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Navigating the End of the Semester Stress (Spring 2025, Week 13)

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Can you believe the end of the year is just around the corner? It’s crazy how quickly time flies! As we approach the finish line, it’s normal to feel the pressure of juggling various responsibilities, whether it’s academics or your social life. Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed—just take a deep breath and tackle one day at a time. This blog is here to help ease your stress and offer practical tips for finishing the semester strong.

Personal Experience: 

With the end of the semester approaching, I am preparing myself for graduation! This semester feels bittersweet as I balance finishing my current academic work while also gearing up for the next chapter. I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be continuing my academic journey by pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. However, with all these changes on the horizon, my mind has been racing, and my planner is working overtime.

I’m someone who thrives on structure, so I make it a point to schedule time for everything—from workouts to homework. Having a clear plan for the week helps me stay organized and focused. I also make sure to prioritize my involvement in campus organizations, keeping track of their events in my calendar as well.

I tend to have a ‘what’s next?’ mentality, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why I also take time to appreciate the present moment and enjoy time with my friends. While staying on top of my studies is a priority, I make sure to cherish the relationships I’ve built along the way.

Resources: 

At Missouri State University, there are a variety of resources available to support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From Magers Health and Wellness Center to the Bear CLAW and Bear Pantry, there are many services designed to assist students in different aspects of life. These are just a few of the many resources available to help you thrive during your time here.

Your professors are another valuable resource. If you’re struggling with a course, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. You can schedule a meeting or attend their office hours for additional support. They are committed to helping you succeed academically and are here to guide you every step of the way.

Takeaways 

No matter what, be sure to reach out if you are struggling or feeling the stress of the end of the semester. The Center for Academic Success and Transition is a great place to help support students and their overall success. Please consider meeting with a success coach or peer mentor to help alleviate or lessen your stress. Although this can be a stressful time, it’s also an opportunity to create lasting memories. Let the end of the semester be a time to celebrate your accomplishments and appreciate the people around you. Remember, you’re one step closer to reaching your academic goals!

~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)



End of an Era (Spring 2025, Week 1)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you enjoyed your winter break and that you’re ready to come back for the start of a new semester. The start of a new academic semester is a great opportunity to instill good study habits, join new organizations on campus, and connect with the Missouri State community. Tips on all of these topics and more can be found within our previous blog postings and more to come this semester. The Spring 2025 semester will look different for the Center for Academic Success and Transition office but nonetheless our support remains consistent for Missouri State students. 

What Will Aubrey Be Up To?

I have had the opportunity to write blogs for the CAST office in my role as a Peer Mentor for five semesters and now the era is coming to an end. I am in my final year as an education major so I will be Student Teaching for the entirety of the Spring 2025 semester. My assignment is one that excites me, and I feel confident going with the leadership experience I gained at the University. While I am so incredibly excited about this new course load, I am sad to leave the Peer Mentor role. 

What Will Happen to the Blog?

Writing the blog has been a fun project throughout my time in the Peer Mentor role and I think the topics we cover provide college students with helpful information. In other words, the blog isn’t going anywhere! I am excited to see the direction my colleagues take the blog in as I plan to remain a consistent subscriber. The Center for Academic Success and Transition office has a goal to support students through our Success Coach and Peer Mentor program and additionally the blog. The Spring 2025 semester will look different for the Bear’s Life: Student Stories blog for the Center for Academic Success and Transition office but nonetheless, our support remains consistent for Missouri State students.

Takeaways

I am leaving the blog in good hands as I transition from one era to the next, and I hope you feel supported through our office. If at any time this semester you find that you need a Success Coach or Peer Mentor, you can request to meet with one to discuss your needs of support. I want to wish you all the best of luck this semester and Go Bears!

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, and I am a senior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I’ve read over 15 books this year!)

Welcome New Peer Mentors! (Fall 2023, Week 11)

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This semester we have welcomed two new peer mentors to our team in the Center for Academic Success and Transition office. Peer mentoring is a free and great resource available to all undergraduate students who need a listening ear. Peer mentors are peers on campus who have a desire to help problem-solve and answer questions their peers may have about MSU and college in general. With that being said, Haleigh and Daniel are looking forward to working with students at MSU. You can use the form to fill out a request to meet with a peer mentor if you wish to do so.

Haleigh

Haleigh is majoring in Communications Sciences and Disorders and minoring in Disability Studies. (A note from me: Our peer mentors vary in their academic studies so although it may be helpful to meet with someone who shares your same degree path it is also okay to meet with someone who doesn’t. Peer mentors are peers and we are able to understand and relate to mentees, regardless of their major.) Haleigh’s tip for first-generation college students is “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance.”

 

Daniel

Daniel is a  Biology major with an emphasis in Microbiology/Biotechnology and a Chemistry minor with an emphasis in Pre-Health (all on the pre-med track). (A note from me: Something I find unique amongst our staff in the CAST office is our different strengths and areas of interest. For example, I am a special needs education major, and Daniel and I have different ways of thinking but we both share the same desire to help other peers.) Daniel’s tip for first-generation students is “to seek opportunities to network with others and build up a support system in college because that will help you get through college while knowing that you have help!”

 

Why You Should Meet with a Peer Mentor

Haleigh and Daniel both agree that every MSU student should consider meeting with a peer mentor. Haleigh said the program can “help you have a smooth transition to college and get a little extra support when you need it.” Daniel added, “We can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, improve time management, and even just help students connect with others and utilize campus resources.”

If you would like to meet with a peer mentor, you can use our request form. Or stop by our Fall 2023 Peer Mentor Drop-In hours on Tuesdays 1-2:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 2:30-4 p.m., in Meyer Library 116 (next to the Bear CLAW).

 

Fun Question for the Peer Mentors

Just for fun, I decided to ask Haleigh and Daniel what the strangest thing was in their backpack at the time. Haleigh had beef jerky and Daniel had a pair of safety glasses. Do you have anything strange in your backpack?

 

Takeaways

We’re excited to welcome Haleigh and Daniel to CAST and we look forward to students coming in to meet with a peer mentor. Peer mentors are a great resource when you need a listening ear or advice from a peer who has shared experiences.

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, a junior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I grew up on a farm.)

Introduction – Aubrey (Fall 2022 Week 9)

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Hello Missouri State! My name is Aubrey, and I’m a new Peer Mentor in the CAST office. I’m excited to share my experiences and thoughts throughout the semester! For this week’s post, I wanted to start off by introducing myself.

Who are you?

I am a sophomore from Joplin, Missouri majoring in special needs education. I’m thinking about declaring a minor although this is a thought I need to spend more time on. I absolutely love my major and I’m finally in classes related to it! I’m also involved in several organizations on campus, including Alpha Sigma Alpha, Bear Power, Peer Leading, and Unified Sports.

Why did you choose MSU?

When I toured Missouri State University as a senior I fell in love with the environment on campus. It was my first college tour so I was nervous that I would feel the same way everywhere I toured. When I visited every campus on my list my decision was easy because Missouri State stood out among the rest. I felt included and welcomed my first time on campus and have found that statement to be true since that day.

What is your favorite study spot?

My freshman year was trial and error discovering what spot on campus worked best for me. What I have come to find out is that I study better in different locations for different classes. I love the PSU because it’s a central location on campus and it has dining options if I happen to need a pick-me-up. For my stressful classes, I try to find a study spot outside like the Glass Hall balcony or out by the fountains. I also find it fun to try new locations when I am losing motivation and that is how I discovered the Pummill study location.

What was one thing you worried about before you started at MSU? How did you deal with it once you were here? 

I was worried I was going to never want to leave. I know that sounds awful but I was truly so excited to get started at Missouri State that I feared I would never want to go home. While this made my transition easy it also created issues when breaks would approach. I eventually learned how grateful I was to be in a position where I loved my university and community so much that it was hard to leave instead of complaining that I had to leave. With this changed mindset, I was able to enjoy time with family and appreciate my Springfield community all the more when I returned. I do still struggle with the idea of leaving for long breaks but short breaks have now become an enjoyable “time off” for me.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me! I look forward to writing more blogs and sharing more of my struggles and victories. Until next time, Bear Up!

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, a sophomore studying special needs education. Fun fact: I group up on a farm.)