A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Actively Engaging in the Pillar of Community Engagement (Spring 2025, Week 7)  

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you’re having a fantastic semester so far. With the semester already flying by, now is the perfect time to think about getting more involved. At Missouri State, student engagement is one of our core pillars, and you can really embrace it by connecting with the campus community. Now that you’ve got your routine down, why not try something new? Missouri State has over 325 student organizations, ranging from academic-focused organizations to social ones, so there’s something for everyone. When you’re considering where to get involved, I’d recommend picking one organization related to your major or academic interests and another just for fun. That way, you’ll have a great balance of academic growth and a chance to unwind with friends outside of your studies.

Bear Link

Bear Link is an excellent resource for students looking to explore organizations, events, and more! It’s a great way to discover the variety of organizations MSU offers, stay up to date on upcoming events, and find important forms for your student groups. You can also access all this information on the go by downloading the Involve app.

With so many organizations to choose from, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. If you don’t see a club that fits your passion, don’t worry—you can create your own! All you need is an advisor and five other students, and you’ll be well on your way to starting a new organization. The Office of Student Engagement is here to guide you through the process.

Involvement Incentives

Joining an organization on campus comes with countless rewards! Getting involved helps you build a deeper sense of belonging and connects you with both faculty and peers. Beyond meeting amazing people, you’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, like interpersonal communication and leadership, which can enhance your resume.

When I joined organizations during my freshman year, I felt more connected to campus and had an inside track on what was happening around me. The friendships I’ve made through these groups have been incredibly meaningful, and I know they’ll stay with me long after graduation.

Takeaways

As students, we’re all here to focus on our academics and pursue our education, but it’s also important to remember the value of building connections that make our experience more meaningful and enjoyable. Joining an organization is a fantastic way to actively engage with Missouri State’s public affairs mission while forming those important connections. If you’re unsure where to start or need help finding an organization, consider meeting with a success coach or peer mentor. They can provide great guidance in navigating your options and aligning your interests with the right opportunities. Wishing you all a successful rest of the semester—Go Bears!

~Melyssa  

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois)



Exam Results- Identifying Areas of Improvement and Celebration (Spring 2025, Week 5)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you’ve had a great start to the semester. Now that you’ve got a few weeks under your belt, you might be facing your first exam or quiz. It can feel a little intimidating, but don’t worry—I’ve got some advice to help you study effectively and improve for the next one! When preparing for an exam or quiz, remember to approach it with a growth mindset. Every step forward, even if it’s small, means you’re improving. The knowledge you gain now will help you become an even better student in the long run! 

Studying Preparation

Be sure to set aside enough time to prepare for your next exam! This looks different for everyone, but it’s important to avoid cramming. Breaking up your study time into manageable chunks will help you retain more information and reduce stress. The Center for Learning and Writing (Bear CLAW) is a fantastic resource to support your studying! It’s a free tutoring service available to students by appointment or during drop-in hours. Tutors are available on a wide range of subjects, including Science, Math, and English. They’re students helping students, which creates a more relaxed and informal environment. In addition to 1:1 tutoring sessions, they offer a Presentation Center and Writing Center to assist with specific needs.

If you prefer studying in a group, consider forming a study group to help reinforce your understanding of the material. Study groups can be a great way to tackle difficult topics, as your peers might explain things in ways that make more sense to you. Plus, they’re great for building confidence and support as you prepare for your exam!

After the Exam 

After you take your exam, take a moment to be proud of yourself for completing it! Now you have valuable insight into how your professor administers exams and the types of content they focus on. This information will help you better prepare for future exams. If you’re still unclear about any of the material, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors and attend their office hours. They can offer advice for your next exam and may even be willing to go over your exam with you. Missouri State is lucky to have professors who genuinely care about helping students succeed.

Takeaways

When you receive your exam results, don’t be discouraged if the outcome isn’t what you were hoping for. There’s always room for improvement, and you can continue working toward your goals. As you do, consider meeting with a success coach or peer mentor. They can offer academic tips, support, and guidance on other topics as well. Also, remember to tailor your studying habits to what works best for you. There are plenty of people and resources here to help you succeed.

For more tips and information, take a look at our other posts that talk about exams. 

I hope you all have a great academic semester, and Go Bears!

~Melyssa  

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois) 



New Year, Improved You! (Spring 2025, Week 4)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you enjoyed your first weeks back at school and are adjusting to your new routine. With the winter semester upon us, we can also celebrate the new year! While the “New Year, New Me” mentality may be cheesy we can apply this sentiment to ourselves this academic semester. With the new semester, we are in different classes, around different faces, and adapting to new schedules which may be intimidating at first. Don’t you worry, while change may be scary, change allows us to grow and be better versions of ourselves.

Tips on how to succeed in the new semester

1. Plan to attend classes regularly!

The cooler season can sometimes make staying cozy at home seem like the better option, but consistency is key when it comes to success in your studies. Attending class regularly helps you stay engaged, absorb new information in real-time, and allows you to participate in discussions and activities. Plus, missing class can lead to gaps in understanding and additional stress later when trying to catch up. The momentum of attending class regularly will help you stay on track for the entire semester.

2. Plan out your week in advance.

Organizing your time effectively is one of the best ways to keep stress in check throughout the semester. By using a paper planner or digital tools like Google Calendar, you can create a visual layout of your week, helping you identify deadlines, exams, study times, and breaks. Breaking down each task into manageable steps will help you keep procrastination down and make your tasks feel more achievable.

Peer Mentor tip: Don’t have a planner? Stop by the CAST office (Meyer Library 116) to pick up a free planner!

3. Reach out to your instructors early.

Don’t wait until you’re struggling to reach out to your professors. Getting to know them early in the semester can be incredibly beneficial. Introduce yourself, express interest in the course, and ask any questions after reviewing the first week’s material. By reaching out early, you show initiative and commitment to succeeding in their class.

4. Make a Friend in Class!

With the new semester, everyone is getting in the groove of their new classes. A familiar face in class will help you feel more comfortable and connected to the course. Having a study buddy or someone to share ideas with can significantly increase your understanding of the content. Making friends in class can lead to better engagement and create a more enjoyable classroom atmosphere. Plus, friends can help you when you miss a class or need clarification on something.

Reach out for help

Be sure to request to meet with a success coach or peer mentor if you have any questions. They are wonderful resources to use, whether to learn about Missouri State, and academics, or just have someone to talk to. The Center for Academic Success and Transition is always here to support the students in their overall success and well-being.

Takeaways

Take this new semester, new year opportunity and make it the best academic year yet! While I have only provided a couple of tips, be sure to find out what works for you! Being in the unknown this semester may be scary, take the strides to help improve yourself! Know that there are resources and people always there to support you. I hope everyone has a great rest of their semester and Go Bears!

~Melyssa

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois)

Networking in College (Fall 2024, Week 13)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! It is that time – internship opportunities, clinical/practicum assignments, and job applications are starting to get posted as students finish their fall semester. Whether it’s your turn or you are watching classmates start the process, learning the skill of networking is important. In college, you are surrounded by classmates, instructors, and a community with knowledge and connections that can advance your opportunities. Read along to learn what networking in college looks like and learn how it can benefit you. 

 

How Do I Network in College?

There are over 20,000 students who attend Missouri State, over 2,000 faculty and staff members, and an even larger supporting community. Each person you meet comes from a different background, education, and life experience and has something to teach you. Outside of class, there are opportunities provided by Missouri State such as career fairs that support student networking. Building connections and establishing a relationship with others not only provides support but also allows you to leverage your personal connections to network. Establish a relationship with someone who shares a career path, post-grad interest, or volunteer passion and ask them questions and advice. This will further your relationship and allow you to learn what it is you are looking forward to or what you may want to do differently. Share with others what it is that you are looking for, the strengths you possess, and your gratitude for their time. Establishing this relationship and allowing them to understand who you are and what goals you have will increase your chances of them sharing your name with future employers. 

 

How Can Networking Help Me Post-grad?

When you graduate from the university and apply to work you’re going up against recent graduates and professionals who’ve been in the field for some time – how will you stand out? Having someone speak on your behalf or give you an inside look at the hiring process can give you a leg up in the application process. After you’ve accepted a job the networking will continue to benefit you. As you advance in positions, you may be given unique opportunities/experiences, and you can continue the relationships you previously established. 

If you find yourself wanting to better your networking skills or you want to discuss what you can do now that will help you after graduation, consider meeting with a Success Coach or a Peer Mentor. 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.)

 

Takeaways

Networking is a skill that is beneficial for all college students to learn to advance their opportunities at the university and post-grad plans. Connecting with students, staff, and the community of Missouri State University allows students to seek out what they want to do and find success after graduation. I encourage students to collect contact information and extend a note of gratitude to instructors of courses ending in the coming weeks. As the fall semester concludes, and you prepare for next semester’s opportunities save this blog to reference!

 

~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!)

Tips for Successful Online Learning (Fall 2024, Week 12)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! Registration for the Spring 2025 academic term has begun and you may find yourself enrolling in online classes for the first time. I wanted to give tips I’ve learned for success in a virtual classroom as I’ve completed several online courses. Everyone has different learning styles and may therefore prefer or avoid the online structure however some courses are only offered virtually so it’s important to learn tips before you start. Universities are moving towards hybrid learning for a number of benefits, and students are learning how to lean into it.

 

Time Management 

When I took my first online course at Missouri State I was overwhelmed with the “free time” that I then had on my schedule. I began to fill it with outings with friends, organization meetings, more hours at work, spontaneous adventures, etc. It didn’t take long before I realized I was struggling without the accountability piece of meeting each week for attendance or working alongside my professor/classmates. I then had to work hard to create a schedule for myself that made appropriate time for the class. Before you begin an online course I recommend reviewing your schedule and building a designated class time into your calendar. This suggestion will help students avoid the mistake I made and start out the course with an action plan to find success in the class structure. A great benefit to an online course is the flexibility that it allows so use this to your advantage while setting boundaries to put academics first.  

 

Communication

Any course’s goal is to allow the student to take away new information, collaborate with classmates to share ideas, and ask your instructor questions to further understand concepts. How are you supposed to do that when you never see any classmates or when you do it’s pre-recorded or over a Zoom call? This is where the act of responsibility, organization, and accountability take place. At the start of your course take note of the course syllabus and write down your instructor’s office hours so that you’re aware and use them as needed. Communication with classmates looks different when done virtually but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Engage in discussion boards, send emails, and plan times to meet in person on/off campus to study together. 

 

Takeaways

Online learning is becoming more and more popular as universities discover the benefits it brings to staff and students. As you register for courses don’t let online courses intimidate you; instead, read over these tips and start the semester strong. As you finish out the semester and start a new one it is good to know when to ask for help. Consider visiting the Center for Academic Success and Transition office to meet with a Peer Mentor or a Success Coach. 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.)

 

~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!)