R.E.A.L. Bears, like any other student organization here on Missouri State University’s (MSU) campus, is a great way to get involved your freshman year. For me, I found it as a perfect fit. R.E.A.L. Bears was one of the only organizations that I stuck with throughout my entire college career, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. As a freshman, I took on the leadership role of Student Government Association (SGA) Liaison. I loved being a senator and being able to share pertinent information with R.E.A.L. Bears from the SGA meetings. My sophomore year, I took on an even larger role as the Social Chair. I learned so many important skills in this position that I continued to use throughout my undergraduate experience and will continue to use in graduate school. Life skills, such as organization, time management, and delegation of tasks, all became vital in becoming a successful Social Chair. Learning these skills also contributed to my position as Vice President of R.E.A.L. Bears my junior year here at MSU. Though I wasn’t able to extend my experience on the Executive Council to President due to graduating early, I have spent my time here at MSU and with R.E.A.L. Bears in a superb fashion. I have dedicated a lot of time to this amazing organization and wouldn’t change a thing.

This past year, I had the overwhelming honor of receiving the R.E.A.L. Bears Scholarship. I had placed a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this group, and still, the last thing I expected was to receive an award as grand as this. I couldn’t be more thankful for what R.E.A.L. Bears has done for me, and I’d like to think that I’ve made my mark on it too. It’s impacted me in more ways than one, and I owe a lifetime of laughs and smiles to this amazing organization I call my home. When I rave and brag about how successful and outstanding my period here at MSU has been, R.E.A.L. Bears is a huge part of that success. This organization can bring you so much joy, help you gain great life skills, and build relationships that last a lifetime. I’ve had the opportunity to network and meet a number of individuals, students, and alumni that are significant in all of Missouri State’s academic and social achievements. Thank you, R.E.A.L. Bears, for blessing me with amazing opportunities and letting me follow my passion and find my place here at Missouri State University. Go Bears!