A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Finding Balance in College (Spring 2026, Week 1)

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How do you decide what to make time for? College is inherently busy. It’s hard to find the time for all of the things you want to do while still making time to have fun. Finding a balance is difficult, but it is also important to your success in college and beyond. 

 

The Core Considerations 

Finding true balance requires assessing three major areas of your life: Academics, Social Life, and Self-Care.

1. Academics

The first thing to consider when trying to find a balance is academics. As students, our primary goal is to excel in our classes. 

  • Know Your Limits: It’s important to know what you can handle when creating a schedule. While a full-time status often allows for up to 18 credit hours a semester, this is not the best choice for everyone. 
  • Adjust Your Course Load: If you know you want to be an active part of organizations, work a job, or have family obligations, then seriously consider lowering your number of credit hours to 12 or 15. Knowing your limits is crucial to a manageable workload. 

Your advisor is a great resource to help you manage your course load in a way that will also help you reach your academic load. 

2. Social Life

Another consideration when finding a balance is finding time for your social life. Spending time with friends and family keeps students feeling connected. Human interaction is how we feel and show love, support, fun, and connection. 

If you try to completely cut out your social life to focus on school, it often has a negative effect. Generally, grades drop and our mental health can be affected, which is neither healthy nor sustainable. Scheduling time with your people is a great way to combat this issue. It doesn’t have to be daily, even a weekly commitment can make a huge difference.

3. Self-Care

Self-care can be the first thing to falter when someone is struggling to find balance. They stop prioritizing sleep, exercise, and eating healthy meals. If students continue down this path, it can lead to depression and anxiety, only worsening their struggles with getting everything done. 

The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure you make time for yourself. It might sound counterintuitive, but literally putting self-care into your schedule can be helpful. Treat it like a mandatory class: “From 9-10 PM, I am going to shower, put my phone away, and watch an episode of my favorite show.” This carves out a designated time that is just for you. 

4. Job

For many students working is an important part of affording to attend school. However balancing a job on top of other responsibilities can be difficult.

To maintain balance, look for positions that offer flexibility and scheduling during hours you don’t have class. It’s important that you communicate your exam schedule to your manager early, and remember: you are a student first. If your work hours are consistently keeping you from maintaining the other areas of your life it may be time to reevaluate your shift load.

 

The Power of Saying ‘No’ 

Learning when to say no is the hardest part of finding a balance, but it is the key to maintaining it. If you say yes every time someone asks you to do something, whether it’s joining a new club or picking up an extra shift, you will inevitably overstretch yourself. Overstretching yourself can lead to productivity issues and burnout. This can be detrimental to not only your academics but your overall wellness too. 

Remember: Saying no to one thing means saying yes to something else—like saying yes to your eight hours of sleep, your mental health, or the time needed to study for a major exam. 

 

Combatting Burnout 

Burnout is the inevitable result of neglecting the “considerations” we just discussed. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. For a college student, it often looks like cynicism, a significant drop in academic performance, and a feeling of complete depletion. 

The good news is that the strategies you’ve already put in place, scheduling social time, prioritizing sleep, and knowing your academic limit, are your primary defense! 

If you start feeling burnout creeping in, take these immediate steps: 

  • Do a Mini-Audit: Look at your calendar and to-do list. Are you over-committed? Where can you drop a non-essential task or shift a deadline? Revisit your “Saying No” rule and apply it now. 
  • Double Down on Self-Care: If you feel overwhelmed, your self-care time isn’t a luxury; it’s an emergency brake. A walk outside or cooking a meal can be a great way to reset your nervous system. 
  • Talk to Someone: Reach out to a professor, a mental health professional, a friend, or family. Burnout thrives in isolation. Opening up about stress is the first step toward relief. Missouri State’s Counseling Center is a great free resource for students who are struggling with burnout. 

Success Coaches and Peer Mentors are a great free resource to help you determine how to balance your commitments. Request a Success Coach or Peer Mentor today.

Finding a balance isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a constant adjustment. Every semester presents a new challenge. By keeping academics, social life, and self-care in equilibrium, you can navigate the demands of college successfully. 

 

Takeaways  

Finding a balance is possible if you: 

  • Take your academics, social life, and mental health into consideration when creating your schedule
  • Learn when to say no
  • Avoid and treat burnout before it becomes a bigger issue

 

~Eternity Lawson  

 

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

The Effects of Sleep (Fall 2025, Week 16)

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A common problem for college students is not prioritizing sleep. Turning in an assignment on time or studying for a test is more likely to take priority. In the spring of 2025, I was only getting six hours of sleep every night, and it reflected on my transcript. My grades began to plummet, despite my increased studying. After some research, I decided to make a change. This semester, I set up a schedule to focus on myself and worked on getting my assignments done before they were due. Now, I consistently sleep at least eight hours every night, which has helped my grade point average rise again. 

“After two weeks of sleeping six hours or less a night, students feel as bad and perform as poorly as someone who has gone without sleep for 48 hours”- Dr. Lawrence Epstein (AASM, 2017).

What is poor sleep? 

Poor sleep is separated into two categories: quality and quantity. The quality of sleep comes from the ability to fall asleep quickly, waking up one time or less through the night, and feeling rested when awake. Quantity is the amount of sleep you are getting. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that adults aged 18-60 need seven or more hours of sleep every night (CDC, 2024). 

Benefits Of Sleep  

Health 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that sleep can help limit sickness, lower your risk for chronic conditions and reduce stress.  They also mention that adequate sleep can promote a healthy heart, and aid in preventing heart disease. 

Mood 

Getting the correct amount and quality of sleep is so beneficial to your mood. Grouchiness and short-temperedness are symptoms of poor sleep! Better Health Channel explains that mood disorders such as anxiety and depression and lack of sleep are connected! 

“Studies show people who are sleep deprived report increases in negative moods (anger, frustration, irritability, sadness) and decreases in positive moods”. (Better Health Channel, 2017)

Improve memory and attention span 

Dr. Clete Kushida MD PhD explains in an interview with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine that sleeplessness can cause poor academic performance due to brain functional disturbances. He further explains that data has shown lack of sleep has consequences such as memory impairment, attention, and vigilance.  

Lowers the chances of automobile accidents 

Sleeplessness can cause a lack of focus which can lead to automobile accidents. By getting adequate sleep, you will be safer behind the wheel. 

How to Fix Your Sleep

Learn to prioritize sleep 

Although it may be difficult, sometimes prioritizing sleep the night of a test will be more beneficial than cramming. In my experience, it is better for your brain to sleep well the night before than staying up all night, risking missing the test from sleeping in or not completing the test to the best of ability. 

“College students who pull ‘all-nighters’ are more likely to have a lower GPA” (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2017)

Limit caffeine  

Swap out your latte for half-caf or decaffeinated options. You can also limit your caffeine intake by changing your hours of consumption. For example, not drinking caffeine beverages after 2:00pm. 

Adjust lighting before bed  

Light throws the circadian rhythm out of regulation (Harvard, 2024). Using blue-light blocking glasses, changing your phone’s lighting and dimming the lights in your bedroom will help with the wind-down process before bed. 

Avoid electronics 

As I mentioned above, engaging in activities that do not involve electronic devices before bed can help reduce light exposure. I recommend reading a book, writing a to-do list or journaling. 

Establish a regulated sleep schedule  

I highly recommend that you reflect on your schedule and make adjustments. Consider how much time you will need to get ready in the morning and at night and how much time for studying and homework, and plan accordingly. This way, when a busy day comes up, you can plan ahead, complete those assignments early and get to sleep on time. 

Takeaways  

  • Good sleep helps promote focus, energy, and mood (CDC, 2024).
  • Lack of sleep can have negative effects on your test scores, mood, and college experience.
  • Prioritize sleep quality as well as quantity.

If you believe you may have a sleep disorder or have concerns with sleeping, contact your healthcare provider or book an appointment at Magers Health and Wellness. 

If you would like to talk through your weekly schedule and get some ideas for how you might better manage your time so you can get more sleep, book a time to meet with one of our helpful peer mentors or coaches at The Center Of Academic Success and Transition.

~ Samantha Horsch

(Bio: I am an animal science pre-veterinary major with a minor in equine studies. I am also completing an undergraduate certificate in basic Spanish communication. A fun fact about me is that I have eleven ear piercings.)

References  

“About Sleep.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html. 

“Blue Light Has a Dark Side.” Harvard Health, 24 July 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side.   

Hershner, Shelley D, and Ronald D Chervin. “Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students.” Nature and science of sleep vol. 6 73-84. 23 Jun. 2014, doi:10.2147/NSS.S62907   

Kingshott, Ruth. “Importance of Sleep & Effects of Sleep Deprivation on College Students.” American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and Researchers, 9 Nov. 2017, aasm.org/college-students-getting-enough-sleep-is-vital-to-academic-success/ . 

“Mood and Sleep.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 5 Apr. 2017, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Mood-and-sleep. 

“What Is Sleep Quality?” National Sleep Foundation, 24 Apr. 2024, www.thensf.org/what-is-sleep-quality/. 

 

Taking Care of Yourself During the Winter Months (Spring 2025, Week 8)

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Please enjoy this guest post from Success Coach, Yomna!

When I moved to the U.S. in 2019 from Saudi Arabia, I was beyond excited for winter. Coming from a place where summer dominates most of the year and winter barely lasts a month, I thought I was escaping the relentless heat for a season I would love. I couldn’t wait to experience snow for the first time!

At first, I did love it. Seeing the world turn white was magical. But soon, that excitement faded. I started feeling unmotivated, sluggish, and constantly tired. Getting out of my dorm felt like a chore, and going to class became more challenging. I found myself sleeping more, eating more, and eventually gaining weight. At the time, I had no idea what was happening—I just assumed it was because I came from a hot country and wasn’t used to the cold.

Later, I learned that what I was experiencing had a name: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Back in Saudi, we never really had to deal with seasonal changes affecting our moods, so this was completely new to me. I started researching and realized I wasn’t alone—according to the American Psychiatric Association, 38% of Americans report a decline in mood during winter.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, usually in winter. Common symptoms include:
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Mood swings, sadness, and feelings of hopelessness
  • Changes in sleep patterns (oversleeping or insomnia)
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Social withdrawal and irritability

When I read about it, I felt like every symptom applied to me! But the good news? I learned how to manage it—and over the years, I found ways to not just survive winter but actually enjoy it.

How I Overcame It

After nearly six years in the U.S., I’ve found that embracing the little things about winter really helps me get through the season. For me, cozy coffee shops have become a go-to spot for studying because the warm, inviting atmosphere helps me stay productive. I’ve also developed a love for winter photography—I can spend hours watching squirrels play in the snow or snapping pictures of snow-covered trees from my window. And of course, I can’t resist wearing cute, comfy sweaters; they just make me feel good.

I’ve also learned to enjoy the fun side of winter—whether it’s building a snowman, having a snowball fight with friends, or just sipping hot cocoa by the window. Lastly, I’ve been more mindful of my eating habits during winter. Overeating always made me feel sluggish, so I now focus on balanced meals and sipping on herbal teas, which help me stay relaxed and energized. It’s all about finding the little joys in the season to keep my spirits up.

Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

If you’re struggling with winter, here are some tips that helped me:
  1. Stay Active
    • It’s tempting to hibernate, but movement is key! Try indoor workouts, yoga, or even a brisk walk to stay energized.
    • If you go to the gym, stick to a routine to keep yourself motivated.
  2. Eat Well
    • Warm, nourishing meals like soups and roasted vegetables can boost your mood.
    • Stay hydrated! We often forget to drink enough water in winter.
  3. Take Care of Your Skin
    • Cold air dries out your skin, so use a good moisturizer.
    • Don’t skip sunscreen—UV rays still affect your skin in winter.
  4. Prioritize Mental Health
    • Get as much natural light as possible, or try a light therapy lamp (there’s one in Magers with a massage chair—definitely worth checking out!).
    • Practice mindfulness, journaling, or talk to a friend when you’re feeling down.
  5. Dress for the Weather
    • Layer up to stay warm—invest in good gloves, a scarf, and waterproof shoes.
  6. Stay Social and Connected
    • It’s easy to isolate yourself in winter, but social interactions can really boost your mood.
    • Join campus events, study with friends, or even set up virtual hangouts to stay connected.

Winter can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. Finding small things to enjoy—whether it’s a warm drink, a fun activity, or even just a cozy blanket—can make all the difference. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to make winter more bearable (and even enjoyable!). If you think you’re experiencing SAD and feel like they’re affecting your academics, please reach out to the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) office to meet with a success coach or peer mentor. They can provide support, guidance, and helpful resources to get you back on track! MSU’s Counseling Center is also here to support you and your well-being.

Tip from the CAST office: This blog from a previous peer mentor also discusses seasonal depression.

~Yomna

(Bio: My name is Yomna Awad, and I am in my last semester pursuing a master’s degree in Project Management with a certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. Fun fact: I do CrossFit and I absolutely love it!)

References

Magnusson, A., & Boivin, D. (2003). Seasonal affective disorder: an overview. Chronobiology international, 20(2), 189-207.

Nix, B. (2022, December 19). Nearly 4 in 10 Americans experience declining mood in winter, Apa Poll finds. Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Advocating for Yourself (Spring 2024, Week 13)

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Welcome back to another blog, Missouri State Bears! We are in week thirteen of the semester and there are no signs of slowing down. At the end of a semester, there can be a lot on a college student’s plate. In moments of stress or feeling overwhelmed, it can be easy to lose sight of what to prioritize, what battles are worth fighting, and when to advocate for yourself. I’ve recently learned the importance of self-advocacy and want to share it with others to feel empowered. 

What is self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy is when you identify what you need and make fair decisions and requests based on those needs. You can compare this to giving a presentation without doing any prior research: the chances of you being taken seriously are less. Once you have an understanding of yourself and what it is that you need, you must communicate with others. Bringing in others will give you the support you may need in a time of vulnerability. Advocating for yourself can be daunting and uncomfortable so letting others in helps. 

When would I need to advocate for myself?

Not every situation will require you to advocate for yourself but there is a list of situations that commonly arise during your college years. When creating this list I wanted to brainstorm scenarios that are typical towards the end of the school year and I came up with the following:

  • Deciding which roommate will get to keep certain items.
  • Concerns regarding the final grade in a class.
  • A conversation with a parent about summer plans.

How to Advocate for Yourself

Every situation will look different but there are some important steps that you should consider before stepping into advocacy. Once you understand what is upsetting you and your needs, you can make a plan. Making a plan helps you have your points laid out and ensures that you’re being fair. Communication then comes into play, you want to be sure that your voice is heard and your message is delivered. For example, if you have a job offer in your college town instead of being home for the summer you should create a plan before talking to your parents. Write down what they may ask you so you have an answer prepared and know why you feel the way you do. 

Takeaways

Learning to advocate for yourself is an important asset to have the older you get as new situations arise. Self-advocacy isn’t mastered overnight, and it can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. The Center for Academic Success and Transition office offers peer mentors and success coaches who can help guide students. Every individual deserves to feel heard, and our team is here to listen. Consider visiting us during our drop-in hours (Spring 2024: Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) or requesting a meeting online. 

~Aubrey

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

Living Alone (Fall 2023, Week 14)

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Greetings, Bears! I can’t believe that we’re already at that point in the semester where things are starting to wrap up. One of the many changes that can occur with the change of the semesters is housing arrangements, as some students move to different residence halls, off-campus, or even potentially have a roommate move out. With those changes happening, I wanted to use my post this week to talk about a perspective that I can share, for any students who may be living alone or preparing to do so for the first time—especially if it was not your first choice. Unfortunately, the holiday season can also bring upon feelings of loneliness for many people, so I thought I would give you my tips, as a student who has lived alone both on and off campus, to help you combat those potential feelings and make the most of your living situation.  

Getting Involved

As I have mentioned in previous posts, getting involved both on and off campus can greatly aid in combatting feelings of loneliness, as well as help you get out of the house (or residence hall/apartment). This can look like a lot of different things, whether you join an organization or just spend time with friends. Either way, it’s important that you make time in your schedule for you to do those things, so that you can prevent feelings of isolation from others. Both the MSU campus and the Springfield community have endless opportunities for involvement. Try to find at least one thing you can start doing every week, even if it’s small, so that you have something to look forward to. I, for example, sometimes like to go roller skating on weekends when I find that I have nothing else to do. If you give it a chance, you are bound to find something that you enjoy, both on and off campus.   

Finding Hobbies

Something else that you can do to help yourself better adjust to living alone is find a hobby or two that you enjoy doing, or something that you will happily devote some extra time to. Occupying yourself at home can make the days where you don’t have class, work, or any other commitments that you are involved in feel more purposeful, as well as bring you joy! Filling your free time with hobbies is a completely necessary act of self-care. Your hobbies can be whatever you want them to be as long as they make you happy. Even in the busiest weeks of the semester, devoting time to your hobbies is a great way to relieve stress or feelings of anxiety about living alone.  

Making the Most of Your Space  

For those who are living alone or preparing to do so unwillingly, it can be hard to believe that there are good things about living alone, but I promise you that there are perks. One of the bigger benefits of living in a space by yourself is that you have full creative control! Another thing that you can do to bring yourself comfort in your living situation is make it your own, which can look like all sorts of things. I loved having the ability to decorate my first residence hall room however I liked, and there’s a chance that you will love that too! Feel free to experiment with décor to create a space that you feel at home in. Feeling comfortable in your space can also aid in combating loneliness and similar anxieties.  

Takeaways

I hope, especially if you are approaching an unexpected solo living situation, that these tips help you feel more comfortable with the idea of living by yourself. It might also be that you have chosen to live alone willingly, which I have done too. No matter what, though, any student is subject to potential feelings of loneliness, even if you live with several roommates, and hopefully these tips can apply to those situations too.

Remember that if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness or unhappiness regarding your situation, there are several on campus resources that can help you, including The Counseling Center and our very own CAST office! Our Peer Mentors would love to talk with you about getting involved on campus and finding other on campus resources. You can request to meet with a Peer Mentor online or come to our drop in hours (Fall 2023: Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.). I hope that you have a joyful holiday season (if you celebrate) and the best Winter Break. Good luck with the rest of your semester! 

~Hallie 

(Bio: I am a junior out-of-state student studying Creative Writing and Philosophy.)