A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

A Guide to Course Evaluations (Spring 2023, Week 15)

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Hi again, Bears! This week, I’m covering a topic that I myself have experienced confusion with in the past. Perhaps recently, as you’ve gone onto Blackboard, you’ve gotten that banner notification asking you to complete a survey, or you’ve received an email in your inbox asking for the same thing. If you don’t know what those notifications or emails mean, you are in luck! For this week’s post, I’ll be discussing what those surveys are, why they’re important, and how to fill them out.  

What Are Course Evaluations? 

Those Blackboard and email notifications that ask you to complete a survey are called course evaluations, and you’re most likely seeing them because it’s getting close to the end of the semester. Course Evaluations are exactly like their title makes them sound—the surveys are an opportunity for you to evaluate the courses that you have taken during the current semester. What they look like and the questions that they ask can vary depending on the department or class, but their purpose is the same. Course Evaluations give students the opportunity to voice their opinions about a class experience, and that information is used to change and improve the course for future students. Typically, course evaluations become available towards the end of the semester, and students are given a limited amount of time to fill them out. Most of the time, they’ll ask you typical survey questions, like agree or disagree statements, ranking statements, or multiple choice. Sometimes, there’s even a written response option provided, where you can go into detail about your experience.  

Why Are They Important? 

Course Evaluations offer students a unique opportunity to evaluate almost every aspect of the classes that they’ve been taking, including content, organization, and instructors. The university uses this information provided by students to better the course experience for future students. If you have suggestions for how a course can be improved, a course evaluation is probably the best place to share them. Not only are they convenient, but they’re also anonymous, so your opinion won’t affect you in any way. Course Evaluations are also a great place to discuss anything that you enjoyed about a course, as that can be equally as beneficial as any suggestions for improvements. In the same way that it is important to know what can be done to improve a course, it is just as important to know what a course or an instructor is doing well. You are not required to fill them out, but you should definitely make some time to, as it can only benefit the university and future students.  

How Do I Fill Them Out? 

Course Evaluations are very easy to fill out. When you go into Blackboard and get the banner notification, just click on the blue button that says “Complete the Survey”. That will take you to the evaluations and let you fill out whatever evaluations are open at that time. Sometimes, the time for evaluations are scattered, so every course evaluation may not be open all at once. If there are any evaluations available for you to fill out, you will receive Blackboard or email notifications, and you will continue to receive reminders until you complete them. The evaluations will ask you standard survey questions about the instructor and/or your experience in the course. Answer all of the questions truthfully, and when you’re done, just hit the maroon submit button at the bottom of the page. Your responses will be submitted, and you are done! Course Evaluations typically only take a few minutes to complete, but they can take longer if you include a detailed written response about your experience. If you have any issues accessing an evaluation, check the email you received for tips and who to contact for assistance. One common suggestion is to make sure to use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as your web browser. After you complete a course evaluation, you should receive a confirmation via your Missouri State email.  

Takeaways 

Hopefully this information has helped you better understand what course evaluations are, why they are important, and how you can fill them out. If you can, try to make some time before the semester ends to complete your course evaluations. As a student, you deserve to have your voice heard, regardless of your course experience.  

It is so hard to believe that the semester is already coming to a close, but Finals Week is right around the corner! Now, more than ever, it is important to work hard so that you can finish strong. As always, remember that if you are struggling, want to improve your exam study strategies, or you just want to talk to someone, we have great Peer Mentors in the CAST office that you can meet with by dropping in during our Open Hours or by requesting one through our Student Request Form. I hope that you have a great conclusion to your semester! 

~Hallie 

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

My University Playlist (Spring 2023, Week 13)

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I cannot put into words how happy I have been these past few months. At this very moment, I am approximately thirty-five days away from graduation. The idea of graduating is becoming so real every day that it’s probably not going to really hit me until I’m walking across the stage.  

I wanted to try out something a little differently this time and describe my five years as a Missouri State student in the form of five songs. MSU has been such a big part of my life that I thought it would be cool to see how that translates into the form of music. I definitely have continued to go through a lot and learn more about myself, so I decided to have some fun with it. I created this playlist in terms of how a song sounded or made me feel. I don’t want you to pay attention to the vocals but to the instrumental versions of these songs instead. 

My University Playlist  

Do Not Disturb-Mahalia 

During freshman year I was still figuring myself out after high school and just learning what it meant to be a college student. This was my first time living away from my family and having so much responsibility. So, this particular song depicts the highs and lows that I faced during my first year.  

Panic! At The Disco-High Hopes 

My sophomore year was a hard one, but I overcame my freshman year, and I came out stronger. I got my first job at CAST (Center for Academic Success and Transitions) as a peer mentor, and I met two of my closest friends to this day. I was happy with my academic performance and my effort to try things that I’d never done before. My sophomore year prepared me for whatever the world had to throw at me. 

Lonely-Noah Cyrus  

This was around the time that I was dealing with some personal losses in my family and around the time of the pandemic. I was sad about my time on campus getting cut short and being unable to see any of my friends. In addition to all that my family is a big part of why I wanted to pursue a degree and I was struggling to overcome missing some of the most important people in my life. 

Blinding Lights-The Weekend  

What was supposed to be the final year became my second to last year at MSU. I felt more solidified with what I was doing and how I was performing academically. I was meeting more people and just making the effort to do well in some of my hardest classes. This year was bittersweet because my journey at Missouri State was ending, but I, unfortunately, needed an extra year. 

Golden Hour-JVKE 

I like to call this year ‘Super Senior’ but in all honesty, what do you call it? I decided to split my last year of classes into on-campus classes and online classes. I tried some new places in Springfield and tried different study spots on campus. Recently, I’ve been at home spending time with my family, finishing my last four classes online, and fulfilling my role as a peer mentor for the last time. I’ve been working my way toward graduation and I’m so excited to get there.  

Takeaways

I listened to music every chance that I could get walking on campus past the fountain, the library, and all the other buildings. When I was listening to music it carried me from class to class and kept me motivated every day. I want to be the one to tell you that college is a big part of your life and can be represented in a multitude of ways. That could be through your habits or even through some personal tips and tricks that you can adapt into your life. You can always check out my previous blog posts, to get more of an idea of the tips and tricks that worked for me. My time as a college student isn’t going to be the same as someone else’s but I’ll gladly share my experience, so you have resources at your fingertips to give you a leg up whenever you need it.
 

“How is it that music can, without words, evoke our laughter, our fears, our highest aspirations?” – Jane Swan

~Alexandria  

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a Senior Business major at Missouri State University.)  

 

Tips for Moving Off-Campus from My Personal Experience (Spring 2023, Week 12)

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Greetings, Bears! I have once again returned for another blog post. This week, I’m addressing a topic that I think is very important and applies to many college students at some point during or after their college careers. If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you might already know that I currently live off-campus. Because the end of the semester will be here before we know it, and some students may be thinking about changing their housing arrangements, I thought I would use my blog for this week to talk about some of my tips for moving off-campus. If you’re considering changing your housing arrangements either now or in the future, I hope that these tips, coming from my personal experience, benefit you.  

Examine Your Options 

If you’ve looked into off-campus housing at all, you’ve probably seen that there are quite a few options. It is important that you understand these options and know what will work best for you. Many college students may rent either a house or an apartment while they’re in school and even for a while after they graduate. Considering whether you want to rent an apartment or a house is most likely one of the first things you’ll think about during your search. There are pros and cons to both. Houses have more space, but they typically cost more and require more upkeep, whereas apartments are much smaller, but they cost less, require less, and have more options in terms of variety. Some apartment complexes also have facilities for their residents and tend to be more accessible and student friendly. There are quite a few off-campus apartments in the Springfield area that are specifically for college students and within walking distance of MSU, which is another option to consider during your search. There are still many other factors to consider, including but not limited to: your budget, the number of bedrooms you need, what your roommate situation will be, whether your new home will be furnished or unfurnished, and location. Every person’s situation is different, but regardless, it is essential that you thoroughly examine all the options that you have during your search. 

Have a Plan for Covering Costs 

No matter what your situation may be, renting a new place can be expensive. In the same way that it is essential to know what your options are during your search, it is equally essential to have a plan for how you will cover all the costs of your new home. There are a lot of costs to think about, like application fees, security deposit, any other deposits for pets, and of course, rent. Not only will you need to pay your rent each month, but you’ll also need to pay for any utilities that your landlord may not cover. The utilities that are covered vary with each place, but you’ll know what utilities you will be responsible for by the time that you move in. Having a roommate or multiple roommates is one way to decrease the overall cost. Another thing that is very important to know is that most places require a certain amount of income for you to sign the lease on your own, even if you’re able to pay the rent with your current income. If you don’t meet the income requirement, places may still approve you if you sign the lease with a cosigner. A cosigner is someone, typically a close family member, who agrees to pay the rent if you are unable to. With all of this in mind, make sure you have a plan for how you’ll cover all the expenses before you commit to paying those costs in a lease.  

The Process 

Once you understand your options and you have a plan for how you’ll cover the costs, it is time to choose your new home! This is an exciting process, but there are still a lot of things to know about the process of renting a place, especially if you’ve never done it before. The first thing that you will do when you find a place is fill out an application. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll submit it and wait for a response. Sometimes, you will have to pay an application fee upon completing the application, so be sure to keep that in mind. Once your application is approved, you’ll want to find a time to tour the place—don’t commit to living there without seeing it first! If you tour it and you’re ready to commit, you will put down a security deposit. The security deposit is typically the cost of one month of rent that you pay before moving in, and it is refundable when you move out if there isn’t any damage to the property. After you sign your lease and put down your deposit, you will typically take a final walkthrough of your new home with your landlord on move-in day. This is a time when you would note, in your lease, any issues that are present when you move in, so that you aren’t responsible for them when you move out. Once you receive your keys and you complete the final walkthrough, you are ready to move into your new home! 

Takeaways 

As you have seen, there are many things to know when you’re considering moving off-campus. Even though this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding off-campus housing, I hope that these tips benefit you, even if you aren’t looking to move off-campus any time soon. Many students continue to live on campus after their first year, and that’s okay too! There are many advantages to living on campus, just like there are advantages to moving off campus. After reviewing your options, you’ll have a better idea of what works best for you, and whatever that may turn out to be, that’s okay.  

Remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of changing your housing situation or by anything else, we have some amazing Peer Mentors here in the CAST office ready to meet with you if you need help! Keep working hard and Go Bears!  

~Hallie 

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

Fountain Day to the Rescue (Spring 2023, Week 11)

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Fountain Day to the Rescue

Hello, Missouri State! Spring is quickly approaching and Fountain Day is in our future. Coming into Missouri State I had heard upperclassmen talk about their favorite day as the day the fountain was turned back on in the spring. At the time I didn’t understand the significance of it and thought it was silly to look forward to. Having participated in one myself, I can say it is the best day on campus and as soon as I have the date, I will create a countdown.

 

What is Fountain Day?

Fountain Day takes place in the spring and it’s a place for all students, staff, faculty, and community to gather in celebration of the fountain turning back on. The Traditions Council hosts the event and ensures that there are plenty of activities to partake in. Last year free t-shirts, free food, vials of fountain water, and buttons were given out. The day is easiest to celebrate when you bring your friends, take photos, and countdown with everyone for the fountain to spring back to life!

A summer scene of the Missouri State John Q Hammons Fountain with a rainbow.

What is the big deal?

Even after an explanation you still might be questioning why everyone saves the date on the calendar or comes back to MSU as an alum for the event. After conversations with a wide variety of people on why they love the day I observed a consistent response. Responses included: “it cured my seasonal depression,” “it put a smile on my face,” “it gave me something to look forward to,” or “it symbolizes hope.” The fountain truly does have a touch of magic because I can agree with each one of these claims. Winter can be a hard season for anyone but especially college students who are homesick, have a heavy workload, operate better with sunlight, or who just miss the simplicity of summer. The fountain is turned on after the last frost date so it is pretty set that there will be no more cold days in the near future which always brings hope. 

 

How do I handle seasonal depression at school?

Seasonal depression is something I didn’t struggle with until coming to college. It wasn’t until the first day I could wear shorts that I noticed that I may need to be diagnosed. The weather made a whole difference in my day; I was smiling all day long and my problems the day before no longer seemed to have a weight on my shoulders. A few days later it was back to bitter cold and coat weather and my mood plummeted. The weather continued to fluctuate and I noticed this pattern until Fountain Day came and I was the happiest I had been. If you also find yourself affected by the winter weather, I recommend putting Fountain Day on your list of must-attend campus events. I’m thankful for Fountain Day and all it has provided to the body of Missouri State.

Here are some other tips for any students who might, like me, be anxiously waiting for the cold, gray days of winter to pass.:

  • My first tip is to go to a professional, especially if you’re feeling depressed or anxious. Utilizing Magers Health and Wellness and making an appointment in the Counseling Center to talk about your concerns can get you the personalized help you need.
  • Something I purchased that has helped me was a sunset lamp. The lamp is said to have a positive impact on serotonin and melatonin. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression.
  • Socializing is one of the biggest tools I used to get myself out of the “funks” I was in. As I had mentioned earlier, the best way to do fountain day is with friends but so is everything else. Finding something fun to do on campus with a friend is always an added bonus.
  • Planning time to go on a walk or visiting the Foster Rec Center to get your body moving is also a method worth trying.
  • Meet with a Success Coach or a Peer Mentor in the Center for Academic Success and Transitions office.

Being affected by the season or the weather is real and can take a toll on someone especially those in college who may be already struggling. I suggest finding what works best for you and your needs according to the ideas I listed or discover your own solutions. However, be sure to save the date for the 2023 Missouri State Fountain Day because it’s going to be something you won’t want to miss. 

 

 “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” – Aristotle

~Aubrey

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

Personal Growth Tips and Tricks (Spring 2023, Week 10)

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These last few months I’ve been slowly taking everything in around me from my impending graduation to just figuring out what my life goals are. The last few years at Missouri State have been playing over and over in my head and I have been reliving my college career. I can honestly say that I have grown tremendously in all areas of my life since becoming a student at MSU. Personal growth is a big part of growing up and being a college student because you’re moving as an individual with more responsibility. For this blog post, I wanted to give you all some tips and tricks related to personal growth. Personal growth or personal investment can be attested to through any new skills you learned, changes in your attitude, or if you’ve improved your mental health. Personal growth lasts a lifetime and it’s beneficial to your relationships or just making yourself happier.  

Personal Growth Tips and Tricks

Experience new things and places

Personal growth is all about developing yourself in order to have a positive impact on life so why not take chances to experience new things and places. You get a chance to learn more about the world around you and what it has to offer. New things also bring a variety of challenges and learning about different perspectives.

Give this tip a try on campus: MSU is full of opportunities for personal growth! Check out a new organization, go to a campus event that’s new to you, and look for a service trip or activity you can join. 

Take a look at yourself and what you are capable of 

Use opportunities to learn about yourself, what you enjoy, and what you excel at, and look for ways to extend yourself. Avoid comparing yourself to others. You’re only in control of yourself so try to learn more about yourself and who exactly you are.

Here’s how you can practice this tip: you are your biggest motivator so make sure you are giving yourself the time, energy, and attention that you deserve. You can meditate, do some self-care or motivate yourself with positive affirmations in the morning.  

Accept your failures and mistakes  

Life is full of failures and mistakes no matter how small but accepting them and moving on shows how accepting of yourself you are. With this tip, you are allowing yourself to experience your emotions, come back stronger and lead yourself toward success.

Put this into practice at MSU: if you ever fail an exam or an assignment, use that opportunity to assess how you are studying. Check out ways to get support, such as the Bear CLAW or visiting your instructors during office hours. The Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) is a great organization that can help students with academic support and provides information about helpful student services; through CAST’s student academic assistance page, you can request to meet with a Success Coach or a Peer Mentor.

Evaluate your life 

You are ultimately taking the time to see where you are in life, and what you hope to accomplish or help identify areas of your life that need improvement. This enables you to identify your weaknesses and work to change them leading to a better version of yourself.

You can utilize this tip like this: take a little time each semester or throughout the year to think about your major and see if it’s still something you want to do, or if there might be a different major out there for you. You can take the opportunity to find any internships or other experiences that can help with your future.  

Takeaways  

I got a chance to experience life away from my family and looking back on where I started there were a lot of changes I went through on my own. I visited new places, accepted my bad decisions, and took time to learn about myself. The thing about college is that you aren’t always ready for the growth that comes with independence. You’re going to grow as a person whether it’s academically or with your self-confidence. I’m hoping that my tips and tricks can help you with your own personal growth or put you in a position to think about it more. Growth is only natural and with college added to the mix it’s inevitable.  

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” – Steve Maraboli 

~Alexandria  

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a Senior Business major at Missouri State University.)