Jasmine is a freshman elementary education major from Los Angeles, CA. Jasmine has only been in R.E.A.L. Bears nine months, but she has already excelled. Jasmine was our 3rd place point winner for the Fall semester. Her participation at Skyboxes and Alumni events has enabled Jasmine to interact one on one with alumni and donors. This is Jasmine’s account of her first semester in Missouri, on the MSU campus, and participating in R.E.A.L. Bears.
When I came to this University I was not sure what I could do outside of academics, and then I went to the new student festival. Boy, was I overwhelmed with all the potential opportunities to network, serve the community and find leadership roles! I gathered as much information as possible, and then the following day I stumbled upon a R.E.A.L. Bears brochure. I looked into R.E.A.L. Bears on the Missouri State’s website and attended an information session last semester. I knew it was something I would enjoy, and so far I have enjoyed participating in this organization. I wanted to make sure that I got the most out of being in such an amazing leadership organization, which is why I participated in so many events last semester.
The first thing I was able to do as an official member of R.E.A.L. Bears was help in hosting skyboxes. I will never forget my experience as a skybox host. At first I was nervous, especially because I had the opposing team in one of my boxes, but everything turned out great. When the football team actually won three games in a row, the excitement in the skyboxes made my job even more fun. Hosting skyboxes was something I can’t wait to participate in again. I was able to meet President Smart, alumni and donors. I also had the privilege of being exposed to a diverse mix of members within R.E.A.L. Bears. It didn’t hurt that we had our own skybox to view the game as well.
I think homecoming week was the probably the highlight of my experience so far in this organization because not only did I help with skyboxes, but I also got to participate in the Alumni Association’s tailgating. I find it really fun and rewarding to pass out giveaways to tailgaters and their families. The fact that I never experienced a tailgating party before also made it an experience I’ll never forget. I remember that the morning of homecoming was really cold but the R.E.A.L. Bears made the best of the weather by belting out the classic 80’s rock music that was coming from a booth close to us. I have also like getting closer to the other members. I enjoyed seeing everyone breakout of their shells with some of the icebreakers we have had at our meetings. Two other experiences I enjoyed was the etiquette dinner and cleaning our “adopt-a-street.”
I cannot begin to describe how happy I am that I picked up that brochure back at New Student Festival, because my first semester of college would not have turned out as awesome as it did. Since joining R.E.A.L. Bears I have made more relationships through networking and have improved my communication skills. I have developed relationships with the other members of this organization that I hope to keep beyond my college years. I definitely feel more at home here at Missouri State and am excited for what the future holds.
Jasmine Carter; Los Angeles, CA
Freshmen Elementary Education Major