Written by Payton Davis, Public Relations Major and former Career Center Intern

There are so many emotions that go into starting a new semester. Fall semester is particularly special, but I can never quite pinpoint why. Is it the opportunity to start fresh? A newfound motivation? The anticipation of how beautiful campus looks when the leaves change? The cool, crisp air come October? It may be a combination of these things, but I think we can all agree on one thing—fall semester feels different.
Maybe you didn’t do as well as you could have last semester, so you’re ready to give it your all come fall. Maybe you grew restless after spending the summer at home and you’re ready to get away from your siblings. For me, it boils down to my love for a new routine. One of the best parts of college is the ability to change your routine every 3–4 months. If I wanted to take morning classes and be done by noon, I could do that. If I wanted strictly evening classes, no one is stopping me (except maybe course time availability). Being in control of my own schedule brings me happiness, as I value my independence immensely.
Summer can be great for having more time to work or to pick up a hobby you have been meaning to all year, but at the end of the day, I’m ready to learn again. With a new semester, there are so many opportunities waiting; new classes mean a new scenic route to those classes, new information, friendships, and passions. No matter what excites you about fall semester—and I hope something does, even if it’s simply seeing your friend who lives three hours away in Kansas City—Missouri State is ready to welcome all of us with open arms.
For many students, with these good feelings come negatives ones too. A brand new schedule and routine will never be less than daunting; change is hard to cope with at times and it can bring on a lot of anxiety. Will I like my classes? Is this schedule going to work for me? Will I have a social life? Am I going to do well? Then there’s the loudest one: What am I going to do with my life? These questions circulate through my head every semester. However, I’ve done this enough times—six semesters to be exact—to know that although these are valid concerns, I am going to be okay. And so will you.
Now that I’m officially a senior, that last question is amplified. I have known what the Career Center is ever since I was a freshman, but like many students, I put off going because I “didn’t need to yet.” That is the lie I have told myself for three years now. Anyone and everyone should be utilizing the Career Center because it can benefit anyone. The resources they offer are extensive and free. Students who are not taking personality tests, not attending career fairs or etiquette dinners, not seeking résumé help, and not talking to one of the incredible Career Resources Specialists are missing out. I was one of those students before learning about what they have to offer and meeting the amazing staff through my internship this summer. My plan is to use this next year to fully take advantage of the resources at the Career Center.
Hopefully most of you have a good feeling about the upcoming semester. But if you don’t, let this be a reminder to put yourself and your mental health first. We’re human with real needs and issues and sometimes we have to put other things on hold when it comes to our health. The Counseling Center is another great resource for students. They offer different types of counseling, and students have eight free sessions per semester. For more information, you can visit the Counseling Center’s website or call (417)-836-5116.
I hope you all discover great opportunities this semester. Welcome back!