A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

A Q&A With Our New Student Success Coach (Fall 2025, Week 2)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! You will see a lot of familiar faces in the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) this year but we do have a new success coach!!

It is time to reintroduce the Success Coaches that we have this year, along with the TAs. Success Coaches assist students in learning valuable tools to help them succeed here at college. What is nice about our Success Coaches and TAs is that we have been through the college process and have finished/are finishing graduate school. We know what it is like being in your shoes and we want to help you!! The CAST office is equipped with TAs and Success Coaches who are here for all bears!

Q&A with Jack Baumgart, Student Success Coach

Jack Baumgart
Photo by Missouri State University
  • What is your academic area of interest?

I am now graduated but I did study psychology and music in my undergraduate schooling. I then got my master’s in industrial/organizational psychology.

  • What beginning of semester advice do you have for students?

Plan out a solid weekly schedule of what you would like to do that week and when it is due. Schedule out when you have class, work, study time, and some free time to be with yourself and friends.

  • What is your favorite thing about being a success coach?

My favorite thing about being a success coach is being the person that somebody feels comfortable coming to for assistance.

  • What is your favorite year in college and why?

My favorite year in school was my last year while I was in graduate school. With it being the last year, that meant that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I felt like I finally had my head on my shoulders.

  • Post-graduate advice:

Enjoy your time off before getting a job. Spend time with friends, family, and enjoy your time outside.

  • How do you practice self-care?

I like to plan times with myself doing things I enjoy like kayaking or even just watching a movie in bed.

 

~Brooklyn

(Bio: My name is Brooklyn Crawford and I am currently getting my master’s of social work at MSU. Fun fact: I have over 600 physical books at home.)

Meet the Success Coaches (Spring 2025, Week 12)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! We have some more success coaches in our office that we’d love to introduce. Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as undergraduates and are here to provide academic and professional guidance to MSU students. As part of the Center for Academic Success and Transition, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors are here to support all Missouri State Bears! 

Success Coaches

Abby Horn:

Abby Horn
Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
  • Academic Area of Interest: Speech Language Pathology
  • What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My personal philosophy is to support the student the best way I can. Every student is different, so that is why I strive to listen to their unique experiences and specific concerns. Rather than telling a student what to do, I want to collaborate with the student on goal setting and the steps to take to get there. I will always be checking in and supporting them along the way.
  • One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: It is okay to ask for help! Being a new student in college can be exciting and nerve wracking all in one. You are not expected to have everything figured out right when you start, and that is okay. There are so many people across campus that want to support you, so don’t be afraid to seek out assistance when needed!
  • End of Semester Advice: Remind yourself of why you started in the first place! You are almost one semester closer to where you want to end up. College is a lot of work, and your plate is likely very full. It is important to try to keep the motivation up and finish strong. But it is just as important to take care of yourself and to give yourself credit for all the hard work you have put in.
  • Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a Success Coach, because we are here to support them on their college journey! We want to help you set goals and serve as an accountability partner in achieving those. We can spend our meeting in a variety ways, whether that be discussing study strategies, time management, or getting involved. We also serve to connect students to valuable resources across campus.

Brooklyn Crawford

Brooklyn Crawford
Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University
  • Academic Area of Interest: Master of Social Work
  • What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My philosophy as a Success Coach is to help students discover their strengths, how to stay focused, and just overall succeed in what they would like to do for their future. 
  • One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: I wish that students knew that everybody struggles with motivation and that is okay. It is normal to have bad days and that sometimes a little support can go a long way. 
  • End of Semester Advice: Take time for yourself and partake in self-care. I know that the stigma is to push through it and focus on your education, but it is okay to take time for yourself.
  • Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a success coach to have a little extra support. I always tell my students that I am here to help, provide resources, or even just be somebody that they can decompress to. 

Takeaways: 

As students, having access to resources like Success Coaches is incredibly helpful due to their relatable nature and the knowledge that comes with being a graduate student. Getting to know them and meeting with them can provide a lot of insight into building your academic success. Request to meet with a Success Coach by filling out the form found on our Student Academic Assistance page. There are many other Success Coaches and two Peer Mentors in the office this Spring semester, so I hope you take advantage of the services available to you!  

~Daniel 

 (Bio: My name is Daniel Kim! I am a senior majoring in Biology: Microbiology/Biotechnology and minoring in Chemistry. Fun fact: I play more than 3 instruments!)



Meet the Success Coaches (Spring 2025, Week 9)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! We have some more success coaches in our office staff that we’d love to introduce. Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as undergraduates and are here to provide academic and professional guidance to MSU students. As part of the Center for Academic Success and Transition, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors are here to support all Missouri State Bears! 

Success Coaches

Claire Russell:

Claire Russell
Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University
  • Academic Area of Interest: Speech-Language Pathology 
  • What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My personal philosophy as a success coach is centered on building strong, trusting relationships with students. I believe that building a good rapport is essential to create a comfortable and supportive environment for each student. This dynamic allows me to better understand each student’s individual needs and help them develop the skills necessary to navigate college successfully.  
  • One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: I wish all students knew that we are here to support them, and our meetings are designed to be completely individualized to fit their unique needs, concerns, and challenges. There is no one-size-fits all approach to success, and my role as a Success Coach is to provide personalized guidance that aligns with each student’s goals.  
  • End of Semester Advice: Stay strong and keep pushing through! The end of the semester is just around the corner, so hang in there, you’ve got this! 
  • Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a success coach to help them navigate the challenges of college. No matter where they are in their academic journey, a dedicated support system can make a big difference in reaching their goals.  

 

Yomna Awad
Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University

Yomna Awad:  

  • Academic Area of Interest: Project Management, Conflict Resolution
  • What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? I believe in the power of empowerment! When we lift each other up, we all grow. As a Success Coach, I find joy in encouraging students and giving them the push they need to reach their goals. Sometimes, all it takes is a little support and reassurance for students to unlock their potential. Seeing them succeed is incredibly rewarding, and knowing I played a small part in their journey brings me so much fulfillment. 
  • One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: You should be proud of how far you’ve come. Every step forward big or small is an achievement worth recognizing! Success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Keep working toward your goals, one step at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate your growth along the way. 
  • End of Semester Advice: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being while staying focused on your goals. Use the resources available on campus to help you finish strong. Remember, the break is just around the corner! Push through these final weeks, and soon you’ll have time to rest and recharge. Keep going; you’ve got this! 
  • Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Navigating university life can feel a bit overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Success Coaches are here to guide you, answer your questions, and connect you with the right campus resources. We also serve as a support system motivating, encouraging, and empowering you to reach your full potential. Whether you need help with time management, staying motivated, or balancing responsibilities, a Success Coach provides the accountability and guidance you need to take charge of your education and succeed.

Takeaways: 

As students, having access to resources like Success Coaches is incredibly helpful due to their relatable nature and the knowledge that comes with being a graduate student. Getting to know them and meeting with them can provide a lot of insight into building your academic success. Request to meet with a Success Coach by filling out the form found on our Student Academic Assistance page.There are many other Success Coaches and two Peer Mentors in the office this Spring semester, so I hope you take advantage of the services available to you!  

~Daniel 

 (Bio: My name is Daniel Kim! I am a senior majoring in Biology: Microbiology/Biotechnology and minoring in Chemistry. Fun fact: I play more than 3 instruments!) 

Meet The Success Coaches (Fall 2024, Week 14)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! This semester we’ve added more success coaches to our office staff who are here to support Missouri State students, it’s time to introduce them! Success Coaches guide students in academic and professional skills to ensure success in college. Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as an undergraduate before; they are relatable to the college experience but have the wisdom and knowledge of a graduate student. The Center for Academic Success and Transition office is equipped with Peer Mentors and Success Coaches who are here for all bears! 

Kuper Jones
Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University

Kuper Jones

  1. Academic Area of Interest: Industrial Organizational Psychology

  2. What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach?: Success comes from passion and effort. If you are willing to work for something you will find opportunities to grow your skills and knowledge.

  3. One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: That the resources on campus are there to be used.

  4. End of Semester Advice: Make sure to take a breath, you have come a long way from the start of the semester. Enjoy the break, but do not forget all that you have learned through your academic journey.

  5. Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach?: We offer a way to organize the chaos of life. We work with you to overcome obstacles so that you can focus on what is most important to you as a student and a person.

 

Erica Batson
Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University

Erica Batson

    1. Academic Area of Interest: Industrial-Organizational Psychology (or I-O Psychology for short)

    2. What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach?: My personal philosophy as a success coach is to meet students where they’re at. Success looks different for everyone. For some, it might be getting an A on a test; for others, success means joining a club and making friends. I am here to help students attain their goals, so I tailor my approach to help each student as an individual.

    3. One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: I wish all students knew that they’re not alone. Whatever challenges they might be facing, there are surely others struggling with something similar, and there are people (like us coaches) who can help support them. 

    4. End of Semester Advice: Work hard and take care of yourself — drink water, eat some vegetables, go for a walk, and keep in mind that a break is near :).

    5. Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach?: We are here for YOU. It can help tremendously to talk through challenges with another person and have someone in your corner to help strategize tackling those challenges. We are trained coaches who are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your experience here at MSU.

Kelsey Campbell
Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University

Kelsey Campbell

  1. Academic Area of Interest: Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

  2. What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach?: Focus on consistent progress, not perfection. Small steps lead to big results.

  3. One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: Acknowledge your wins and learn from losses.

  4. End of Semester Advice: Give yourself grace and make sure to take care of yourselves as finals approach. 

  5. Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach?: As a success coach we want to support students as much as possible and help them through hardships that come up throughout the year.

Takeaways

My hope is that through this blog you’ve gotten a glimpse into the great Success Coaches our office has to offer. We have ten other Success Coaches and four Peer Mentors who work in the office this fall semester.  You can request to meet or stop by during drop-in hours. (Drop-in hours change every semester; see the Student Academic Assistance page for this semester’s hours.) Make your time at Missouri State something you’re proud of and use the resources offered to you!

 

~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!)

Success Coach Introduction – Part 5 (Spring 2024, Week 14)

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Hello everyone, my name is Haleigh Snyder, and I am a Peer Mentor in the Center for Academic Success and Transition office. I am here with our final post in the series introducing this semester’s Success Coaches.

Shane Everett

Shane Everett
Photo by Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University

What are you studying? Dramatic Writing

Why did you choose MSU? I had done my undergraduate degree here and when I was graduating, a couple of my professors recommended this new writing master’s program that had just started up. I loved writing but I wanted to take some time to think about it, so I took a year off and it just stuck with me through that year, so I came back.

Tip for first-generation college students? It’s okay to ask for help. You made it here, that’s proof enough that you belong, it’s not a sign of weakness or failure to reach out when you’re struggling. People want to see you succeed!

What is the strangest item in your backpack right now? I’m not even sure. My bag is a large messy void of papers, writing utensils, and little odds and ends. It’s a miracle I am still able to find stuff in there!

Why should students consider reaching out to a success coach or peer mentor? To build up that support network. We are not just here if you’re struggling academically, we are here for if you just need someone to walk you through the options of how to tackle an issue with financials or your school community or for building strategies to help you through crisis mode after mid-terms. We are here for you!

If you were a brand, what would your slogan be? “Batteries not included. Product burnt-out a long time ago.”

Agamyrat Bayramgeldiyev (Auguste)

Auguste Bayramgeldiyev
Photo by Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University

What are you studying? I am currently doing my Master’s in International Affairs (MIA) here at MSU. My undergraduate degrees were in International Relations and French Language. I did them at MSU as well.

Why did you choose MSU? I chose MSU because of the community and welcoming atmosphere it had for international students.

Tip to first-generation college students? My advice would be to be persistent. There may be moments of doubt or loss of motivation, but it is important to focus on your end goals. I would encourage them to occasionally take some time off from school to do things they enjoy like hobbies or attending campus clubs and events.

What is the strangest item in your backpack right now? My croissant eraser.

Why should students consider reaching out to a success coach or peer mentor? Students can be in touch with us if they have any questions, concerns, or doubts, as we were once in their shoes as well.

If you were a brand what would your slogan be? “Growth isn’t a straight line.”

Janeal Talton

Janeal Talton
Photo by Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University

What are you studying? Social Work

Why did you choose MSU? The social work program.

Tip to first-generation college students? Always be proactive instead of reactive.

What is the strangest item in your backpack right now? A book

Why should students consider reaching out to a success coach or peer mentor? Students should consider reaching out to a success coach or peer mentor to ensure they have all the necessities to be successful.

If you were a brand what would your slogan be? “It is what it is.”

 

 

Now that you have been introduced to our Success Coaches, I hope you feel ready to meet with one! Each of our Coaches are ready to lend a helping hand and guide you to success. You can learn more about how Success Coaches and Peer Mentors can work with you on our Student Academic Assistance page. You can also find our request form to meet with a coach or mentor on our Student Academic Assistance page.

~Haleigh

(Bio: My name is Haleigh Snyder. I am majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Disability Studies. Fun Fact: I have a miniature long haired dachshund named Oakley)