A Bear's Life: Student Stories

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

April 27, 2026 by Eternity Lawson

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.)

Finals Countdown (Spring 2026, Week 15)

April 22, 2026 by Sophia Clinton

It’s that time of year…again. Finals week is just around the corner. Missouri State’s campus has some amazing resources for students to prepare for, survive, and crush finals week! This is now my fourth finals week at MSU, so I’ve got some tips and tricks up my sleeve to share with you all.

Study Spots on Campus

The location where you study is crucial to the quality of your focus and productivity. Missouri State University has the best nooks and crannies around campus! The Meyer Library has four floors, with designated “social” and “quiet” zones. So, when studying in a group, the social zone is perfect for you or if you do your best studying in silence, the quiet zones are where to go.

The library also has study rooms for groups or to study alone, whiteboards for making flow charts or taking notes, dry-erase markers you can rent and so much more! It has specific finals week hours tailored for students to do early morning or late-night study sessions. The walking desks on the second floor make this spot my personal favorite; they are great for students, like me, who might get antsy after studying for a period of time.

Glass Hall has balconies where you get a beautiful view of campus while you study. In contrast, you can also go to the Plaster Student Union picnic tables to enjoy the spring flowers and see the famous quad! Bonus points to the PSU for easy access to get a caffeine pick-me-up. I could go on forever about the awesome study spots on campus, so just know you can’t go wrong!

Study Resources

In addition to great study locations, Mo State also has incredible resources available to students. The Bear Claw, located in the southeast corner of the first floor of the Meyer Library, provides tutors for a variety of classes all semester long. Furthermore, many courses offer PASS sessions, or peer assisted study sessions. These are custom designed for the course and led by students who have already succeeded in the course. They often make practice tests, slide shows and study sessions during the week of your exams.

Another resource not always highlighted is attending professors’ office hours. Each professor has blocked off time in the week for students to come to ask questions or get further help. I think of it this way: there is no one who knows the exams and course content better than them! They are the perfect person to ask. You can easily find when and where each professor holds their office hours by looking in your course syllabus or emailing them.

Study Tips

Once you’ve got your study nook and utilized your resources, it is so important that you study efficiently. I don’t know about you, but there have been many times that I’ve spent hours in the library and studied something that should have only taken an hour. Here are a few techniques you can use to make sure you are studying to the best of your ability!

The Pomodoro Technique

This study technique includes separating your studying into 25-minute intervals, followed by 5-minute breaks. For example, if I have two hours to study for my psychology exam, I will study diligently for 25 minutes and then take a break for five minutes by walking around, looking at my phone or talking to a friend. I then repeat these three more times to reach the two hours. This technique is super effective and easy!

Minimize Distractions

While it is not a specific method or approach to studying, it is just as important that you minimize distractions. While it can be difficult, you must put your phone away! Even a few seconds of distraction can break our focus. Leaving your phone in your bag, giving it to a friend or setting screen-time limits are all beneficial ways to maintain focus on your schoolwork.

Additionally, get to know yourself and the ways you study best. If you know that you are easily distracted around your friends, it might be best to study individually and then meet up with them later. On the other hand, if you do your best collaboratively, then you should invite your classmates to the library! The whiteboards are a great tool when in a study group.

Take a Break!

Last but certainly not least, take a break! Finals week can be stressful and exhausting, so it is crucial to let yourself rest and recoup. Some simple ways to do so include taking a walk, getting coffee with a friend or taking a nap. Doing so will not only help ease anxieties but also improve your overall test-taking abilities and study habits. Finals week may feel overwhelming, but with the right environment, resources and study habits, you’ve got this.

Takeaways

So, with finals just a few weeks away, set yourself up for success! Find your favorite study spot, utilize the resources on campus and practice strong study techniques and habits. Looking for more final tips or help with other academic skills or university resources? Meet with a Success Coach or Peer Mentor! Most importantly, remember to take care of yourself, stay focused and finish the semester strong. Go Bears!

~Sophia Clinton

(Bio: I am a second-year Exercise Science major at Mo State. Fun Fact about me is that I love to run and completed my first half marathon in November.)

A Tour Through The Bear CLAW (Spring 2026, Week 13)

April 8, 2026 by Sophia Clinton

Struggling with course load in your English class? Not understanding the topics in your biology course?

You are not alone; you don’t need to figure it out by yourself either! I’ll admit I’ve felt this way too. Luckily, the Bear Center for Learning and Writing, also known as the Bear CLAW, is here to help.

Located on the 1st floor southeast corner of the Meyer Library, the Bear CLAW offers a variety of services with student success as their primary goal. Their mission is clear: “to empower students to reach their academic, personal and professional goals by providing high-impact learning experiences” (Bear CLAW, Missouri State University).

Tutoring

The Bear CLAW offers tutoring for a wide variety of subjects including math, science and business/economics, along with additional sessions offered outside the main office (check the website for more information).

To receive these services is simple; drop-in sessions are available five days a week! All you have to do is stop by during tutoring hours and head over to the designated tables.

If this doesn’t work for you, the program offers online resources for tutoring as well. You can book an appointment through MyMissouriState by navigating to the Student Success Resources Card and using the Bear CLAW TracCloud link.

Writing Center and Presentation Center

Furthermore, the Bear CLAW is home to both the Writing Center and Presentation Center on campus. Whether you’re working on a paper, needing assistance with citation styles, or preparing a speech, they’ve got you covered.

At the Writing Center, the Writing Consultants will support you through every stage of the writing process. From developing ideas and organizing your thoughts to revising drafts and refining final details. It’s not just about correcting grammar; it’s about helping you grow into a more confident, effective writer.

The Presentation Center offers similar support for public speaking. You can practice your presentation, receive feedback on delivery and build confidence before stepping in front of a class. Whether you’re nervous about presenting or wanting to improve your skills, it’s a great resource to take advantage of.

Bear CLAW worker explaining a math problem on a white board to a student — Kevin White/Missouri State University

My Favorite Part

My favorite part of this program is its accessibility. If I have an hour between classes, I can easily stop in and ask a few questions about my science test or get some feedback on my essay and job applications.

It is the perfect combination of both approachable and effective. The tutors are fellow students who have recently taken and succeeded in the course they offer support in. This makes their assistance relevant and useful because they are up to date with both professors and class content.

A Missouri State student adds that “the Bear CLAW environment is supportive and not as scary as some students may think,” illustrating that while it can feel intimidating to ask for help, the staff are welcoming and eager to offer their support.

Takeaways

If you ever need help with a class or want to strengthen your academic skills, the Bear CLAW makes it easy to get support. Whether you drop in, book an appointment or attend a workshop, there’s something for everyone. I’ve seen firsthand how helpful this program can be and would recommend trying it out to every student.

Be sure to check out the Bear CLAW website for additional information and resources. At Missouri State, the Bear CLAW is truly a gem that can make a big difference in your college experience!

Looking for help with general academic skills? Right next door to the Bear CLAW, you can find the CAST office, or the Center for Academic Success and Transition. Here you can meet with a success coach or peer mentor who can offer guidance, advice and connections to campus resources.

~Sophia Clinton

(Bio: I am a sophomore majoring in exercise science with a minor in nutrition. Fun Fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois!)

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

March 24, 2026 by Eternity Lawson

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?

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?

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.

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

March 18, 2026 by Quincy Young

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.

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.”

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.”

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

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