Activities: University Ambassadors, Student Activities Council
Why did you choose Missouri State?
It was my tour. I was about 95 percent set on another school. I came here and took a tour, and fell in love right there. I liked how the campus was set up. But the decision was especially set when I met with one of the heads of the media production department. He gave me the feel of the whole department. It was so interesting that I just had to be here.
Describe the student body at MSU.
Positive. Every time I see people, they’re happy! They’re excited about what they’re doing and what they are involved in.
Do your instructors want you to succeed?
I definitely get that feeling from them. I have never had a professor say “Oh, tough luck.” But it’s up to the students to participate too. I feel like your teachers will want you to do well if they see you are trying to do well.
What is it like to live in Wells House?
Fun! Personally, I love the residence halls. They help if you’re a little lazy — I don’t have to wake up any earlier than I have to; I can get up right before class and walk there. Plus I made a lot of friends through living in the hall.
You’re in charge of comedy for Student Activities Council. What do you do in this role?
I have wanted to be a comedian since I was little. When I was a kid, I would listen to comedy albums by artists like Bill Cosby and Bill Engvall. People would ask me, “Have you heard that new song?” I would say, “No, but I heard a joke!”
This job is one of the most fun things I have ever done. I research comedians, then book them for MSU students to watch. I try to bring in a mix of comedians who are already big names with ones who are on the rise. I have even met famous people when we pick them up at the airport and take them to their hotels before they perform on campus.
I also run a few open mic nights each semester. And we have a new thing this year: Movie roasts. We are bringing in the professionals from The Skinny Improv club to roast a film as it’s shown in the Student Union. This year, they’re roasting “Twilight.”
Is it easy to get involved on campus?
Yes! We have more than 300 student organizations here. If you don’t like any of those, you can write a constitution and create your own group. For example, if you really like Scrabble, you can make a Scrabble club.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Student Activities Council comedy events. I love watching the comedians. My favorites so far have been Mike Birbiglia, T.J. Miller and Donald Glover.
What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
My philosophy class. It was focused on contemporary issues. It’s cool just to have such good conversations.
Is Missouri State a good value?
Oh, yes! I don’t know of any other school that has NCAA Division 1 athletics, and all these academic programs, for what I’m paying. I have a few scholarships. My MSU scholarship is one for entering freshmen. You just apply for it when you apply for school, if you meet the criteria. It was really easy.
What are your favorite things to do in Springfield?
Springfield has lots of nature. My girlfriend and I recently went to Lake Springfield and rented a boat. That was really cool.
But the coolest thing to me is that Springfield is really walkable. I love walking around; I can get pretty much anywhere I need to go.
Of course I also like to go to The Skinny Improv comedy club downtown. And there are half-price movies at the downtown theater some weekdays.
What insider’s advice would you give incoming students?
My freshman year, I accidentally signed up to be in a curricular learning-community. That means I took two required classes that had the same people in them. I think it is one of the most fortunate things I did. You see the same people every day, and sooner or later you get to know each other. I am still good friends with people from those classes. It was a happy accident, for sure.
What’s the most surprising thing about college?
College is not as hard as I thought. I’m not saying that to tick off my teachers! What I mean is that even though the workload actually might be bigger and tougher than high school, it feels easier since you’re so interested in what you are learning.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I would like to work in TV one day, behind the scenes or on camera.
