A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

A Week in the Life with Peer Mentor Eternity (Spring 2026, Week 16)

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Everyone’s college experience looks a little different, but I thought I’d share what a typical week looks like for me. Between being a full-time Agricultural Communications student, a member of the Missouri State Equestrian team, and an employee at both the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) office and a local restaurant here in Springfield, things stay pretty busy! 

Monday 

My Monday kicks off at the CAST office at 8:00 am. I work until 10:30 am, focusing on writing blogs, meeting with students, and handling administrative tasks. 

After work, I head back to my apartment for a quick breakfast before my first class. Since it’s held at the Darr Agriculture Center on Kansas Expressway, I always leave early to beat the traffic. We often get hands-on experience with Missouri State’s horses; recently, we evaluated them to see if they would be a good fit for therapy work which was super fun. 

Once class ends, I find a quiet spot in the barn to catch up on work before getting ready for equestrian team practice. After practice, I wrap up the day at home with my roommates, where we cook dinner and tackle our homework together in the living room. 

Tuesday 

Tuesday starts with another trip to Darr for class at 9:30 am. This class is very in-depth, covering the nutritional needs of various farm animals, so I make sure to take detailed notes. After class, I head home to eat and review those notes while the information is still fresh. 

My afternoon includes: 

  • Another class: This is on the main campus and is a blast. The lectures are short, so I use the extra time for the class workload, which includes taking and editing photos for our weekly assignments. 
  • Tabling at the PSU: I represent the CAST office at the Plaster Student Union. I love connecting with students and sharing how our office can help them succeed. 

To finish the day, I head to my evening job at a local pasta restaurant. Tuesday nights are my favorite because I get to see my “regulars.” 

Wednesday 

I intentionally keep Wednesdays a bit slower to leave room for appointments, volunteering, or any other out of the ordinary task I may need to complete that week. If my schedule is clear, I enjoy a slow morning, sleeping in a little and catching up with my roommates over breakfast. 

At noon, I head to work at the CAST office, starting with an hour of tabling before finishing daily tasks. Every day at CAST is a little different, which keeps it interesting!  

My evening involves: 

  • Equestrian Practice: Wednesday practices are usually the highlight of my week. 
  • Roommate Dinner: I usually take the lead on cooking for the house on Wednesdays. 
  • Online Classes: I dedicate Wednesday nights specifically to my online coursework at the library. Carving out this specific block helps me stay on top of the workload without feeling overwhelmed. 

Thursday 

My Thursdays mirror my Tuesdays, with one major exception: I don’t work at the CAST office in the afternoon. Instead, I use that time to rest. As college students, our schedules fill up fast, and I’ve learned that scheduled downtime is the best way to avoid burnout. 

Friday 

Friday starts at 8:00 am at the CAST office. It’s usually a quieter morning, which is perfect for editing blog posts and covering the front desk. After work, it’s back to my equine class at Darr. It’s my favorite class, so it’s the perfect way to end the academic week. I spend the afternoon with my roommates before heading into a shift at the restaurant. 

The Weekend 

No two weekends look the same! I use this time for: 

  • Socializing: Making plans with friends and getting out into Springfield. 
  • Prep: Finishing up any remaining homework and grocery shopping for the week ahead. 
  • Reset: Going to church on Sunday is my favorite way to clear my head and prepare for the coming week. 

The Takeaway 

Your college experience is exactly what you make of it. From classes and activities to hobbies and jobs, Missouri State is a place where you can truly tailor your schedule to fit your goals and your needs. Whether you’re at the barn or in the library, there’s a rhythm that works for everyone!
 

Wondering how to fit studying into your current schedule? Want help figuring out how to add opportunities for campus involvement into your time at Missouri State? CAST’s Success Coaches and Peer Mentors can help! Learn more and request to meet with a coach or mentor on our Student Academic Assistance page.

 

~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.)

Peer Mentor Q&A (Spring 2026, Week 11)

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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?  

Sophia Clinton

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? 

Carsyn Vincent

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.

Eternity Lawson

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. 

Supporting classmates today, impacting students for years to come

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Do you see someone struggling in college? 

You may be the ticket to their success. 

Take it from Daniel Paige, a senior at Missouri State University. 

Because of his leadership and guidance, his peers are learning how to make the most of their college experience. 

Upon discovering his interest in working with students, he decided to direct his career path toward higher education.

Plot twist: Shifting his path beyond the classroom

Formerly from Greenfield, Missouri, Paige left his small town and saw the chance to save costs on his education and graduate affordably at Missouri State. 

Paige, an avid book worm, is currently majoring in literature. 

“Ever since I was really young, I’ve always been a really strong reader,” Paige said. “I’ve always been really interested in books and the stories that can come out of that. As a kid, I was just really quiet, so it was just very easy for me to become more immersed in books.” 

His favorite classes were taught by Dr. Cathie English, who is now a faculty emeritus in the English department. 

“(Dr. English) has really always been a really great example of someone that will reach out to you and just help you get to wherever you need to be. She’s been probably one of the best professors that I’ve had,” Paige said. 

Originally, Paige entered Missouri State as an English education major. Through the lens of an aspiring teacher, he found opportunities to build on his desire to work with students. 

In between two rows of shelves, Daniel Paige leans against a shelf of books at Meyer Library.

Serving first-generation students in Bears Lead

While attending Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) as a first-year student, Paige received an email about the Bears Lead program, a student organization designed to encourage, motivate and support first-generation students. 

He applied to the program, and after one year of membership, he decided to give back to the program by becoming a Bears Lead Ambassador. 

As an Ambassador, Paige serves as a support system to students in the program.  

The Bears Lead members that he works with are first-generation students — those who are the first in their family to graduate from college — and students who have Access Program Scholarships. 

“The main things that (Ambassadors) help out with are running some of the meetings that Bears Lead has, as well as being able to help engage students and basically encourage them to just start getting out there more.”

Daniel Paige rests his arms on top of a stack of books as he sits at a table in the library.

Being “the link” as a peer leader

Through his time as a Bears Lead member, Paige found another opportunity to grow and further his mission to support students: becoming a peer leader. 

In this role, he reports to Dr. Tracy Glaessgen in the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST), who connected Paige to an instructor of the GEP 101: First-Year Foundations course. 

“Basically, whenever I’m in the classroom, I’m mostly like a link between the instructor and the students and serve as an example of what a successful student would look like.”

As a peer leader, Paige has enjoyed getting to know underclassmen and help them locate resources and opportunities that match their goals. 

“I’ve been working very closely with first-year students especially…and also, with second-year students, trying to help them get used to being at college and trying to understand some of the bigger things that you need to know that are less touched upon whenever you’re starting college,” he said. 

Paige notices that sometimes new students get overwhelmed by the various organizations and campus resources during the first week of classes. 

“If students are struggling in college, they’re always more than welcome to come up and talk to me,” Paige said. “In addition to that, I try to give tips on different resources on campus, like the Career Center, Magers (Health and Wellness Center), as well as the Foster Rec Center. Just trying to give the students some information about the different locations on campus as well as how to start using them.”

Daniel Paige poses professionally next to a bookcase in the library.

The student becomes the advisor

Because of these experiences, Paige realized that guiding college students could be his calling. 

He plans to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in spring 2026 and will begin the fall semester in Missouri State’s student affairs in higher education (SAHE) graduate program.  

In preparation for his future studies and career, Paige consulted with Christina Bowles, an academic advisor and success coach. 

“Christina Bowles over in the CAST office has been someone that I’ve been able to reach out to and get a lot of information, both about working in higher education as well as the SAHE program because she is an (alumnus) of the program. She doesn’t teach in the program or anything, but she was in it and so she knows what it was like,” Paige said. “It’s been nice to talk to her and hear her experiences as well as just working with her.” 

After Paige earns his master’s degree, he plans to follow in Bowles’ footsteps by continuing to serve students as an academic advisor or a success coach. 

“Being in the Bears Lead Ambassador role, as well as the peer leader role, I started to realize that I really do enjoy working more one-on-one with students rather than teaching 30 different students each hour or so,” he said. “That was what led me to wanting to work more with students individually, establish relationships, help them determine what they are wanting to do and try to help them reach their goals.” 

Major in literature Join Bears Lead Become a peer leader

Photos by Jesse Scheve

 

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.) 

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!)