My name is Christina Bowles and I am a proud first-generation college student. Neither of my parents even graduated high school, let alone college, so when I came to Missouri State in 1998, I was woefully underprepared for what lie ahead of me. While academically I was a good student, I didn’t understand how to reach out to my network for help.

I developed relationships with my instructors, sure, but I didn’t understand all the nuances of higher education, particularly financial aid. I bounced around majors for a while, mostly because I didn’t want to go to law school like my parents expected, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted. I finally decided upon Communication, which ended up being a great decision for me and my future.

During my “second” senior year at Missouri State, I took Religion 101: Old Testament. I’d already developed an interest in religious studies, but I wasn’t sure where it would take me. Little did I know that it would eventually take me to graduate school. My professor, Dr. Stanley Burgess, suggested that I apply to the graduate program and that I also apply to be his graduate assistant. His support has meant the world to me, because not only was I the first person in my family to graduate with a four-year degree, or five-year in my case, but I’m also the first person in my family to have two Master’s degrees. I am so thankful for the support that Missouri State offered while I was a student, and I am happy to pay it forward to my students as well!

Christina Bowles
Coordinator, Student Success Coaches
Center for Academic Success and Transition