Campus activities: Honors College member; Xi Omicron Iota social sorority; Rho Lambda International Panhellenic Leadership Recognition Society; secretary of Pre-Physician Assistant Society; Missouri State’s trap and skeet team
Career goal: Become a physician assistant
Do you think Missouri State is a good value?
Oh, yes. It is super-affordable to start with, and the school also gives good financial aid. I have a scholarship and almost everybody I know has some sort of aid. You hardly have to pay for anything on campus, like tutoring or computer services. And there are plenty of fun things to do for free. Students get in free to most Bears games, and of course they can use the athletics facilities to work out.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to be a physician’s assistant, a person who can see and treat patients like a doctor but who doesn’t have as many administrative duties as doctors.
How does Missouri State help you succeed academically?
First, the academic advisors are great. Also, the professors are here to help you; they really want you to do well. All of my teachers have said at one point or another that students can come see them any time. I have also used the services of the Career Center to help me figure out graduate school requirements. I also like that the school provides study areas like the Bear CLAW (Center for Learning and Writing) in the library, where you are free to chat with classmates and talk through difficult assignments.
How do you deal with stress?
I have a lot of fun! My major is hard, but I don’t get bogged down. I try to remember I am in college to start a career but also learn about myself, so I take breaks to focus on things other than school if I am just stressed out.
How would you describe Missouri State?
It is more diverse than my past school. I came from basically an all-white Catholic high school, and at Missouri State there are traditional and nontraditional students of all ages, races, ethnicities and backgrounds. Also, friendly — everyone is just happy! And there is something for everyone. There are endless opportunities for leadership and so many organizations to join.
What would you tell potential students about Missouri State’s public affairs mission?
Missouri State doesn’t focus just on the academic side of college, but on your greater well-being and your connection with your community. You will be able to apply your knowledge to real life.
How would you describe Springfield?
It has everything you could imagine you might need as a college student, like good shopping. There are also lots of chances in this area to do outdoor activities like biking, hiking and kayaking.
What do you and your friends do for fun on campus?
We watch movies, shop, study and have girl talk. We also hang out in the atrium of the PSU (Plaster Student Union).
What is your advice to incoming freshmen?
Bring rain boots! The campus can get wet. I thought I was too cool for boots, but I learned having wet socks is not fun!
