For first-generation college students, new and unexpected challenges come almost every day. When I faced adversity as a first-generation student, I got frustrated and was incredibly hard on myself. Then, I heard one of my favorite quotes that I now apply to most areas of life. It is from American poet Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” First-generation college students are often unaware of what they don’t know and, therefore, are required to make extra effort to accomplish tasks their peers may find easier.

[Read more…] about Katelyn McCoy, School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership

How did your college experience impact your career choices and opportunities?

My name is Brad Bodenhausen and I’m the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships here at Missouri State.  If you told me 40 years ago (when I was starting high school) what I would be doing today – I would have been surprised to learn what my future held.  Life, of course, is not predictable and it doesn’t follow a pre-written script.  But there are certain decisions we make along the way that can have a critical impact on our options and opportunities for the future.  For me, choosing to go to college after high school was one of those life-defining decisions.  I’m glad you’ve made that choice too.

[Read more…] about Brad Bodenhausen, Division of Community and Global Partnerships

Can you share your background as a first-generation college student? What motivated you to pursue higher education?

My dad always wanted his kids to go to college as it wasn’t something available to him. He was from a farming family, drafted into the Vietnam War, and a blue-collar worker for many years after. While he was a natural athlete, his kids were more into academics and arts. Dad didn’t care what we studied as long as we went to college. Mom was great at finding scholarship opportunities for me to apply for and had me enroll in dual credit courses to save money and avoid some student debt.

[Read more…] about Rowena Stone, Secretary to the Board of Governors