When Danisha White was choosing which path to take in her educational journey after high school, she was considering Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) and staying close to home in St. Louis. She chose MSU-WP because it provided her the full college experience she wanted at an affordable option.
Danisha’s goal was to graduate from a university with a four year degree and MSU-WP gave her the stepping stone she needed. By starting on a smaller campus, she was able to buckle down and focus on enhancing her skills so she could continue her academic career at Missouri State University in Springfield.
While at MSU-WP, Danisha had the opportunity to work in the university communications office and as a resident assistant in the Grizzly Lofts. These experiences helped her develop skills she would later need in her career, all while developing important relationships at the university.
“Working in the communications office put me in the right circles for my career path. The MSU-West Plains campus also prepared me to be more confident when it came to networking,” Danisha says.
Never too far away
After completing her bachelor’s degree at MSU in Springfield, Danisha’s first job was back where it all started: at MSU-WP in the university communications department.
“I had such a unique experience in that I felt so drawn to the campus and loved it so much that I came back. That says a lot about the campus and community.”
Moving on
Next Danisha put her journalism degree to work by writing for a newspaper in Jefferson City.
“I wanted to get the writing component down, so I could say that I did what I set out to do in the beginning. But there’s so much you learn and can do with a degree in journalism,” she said.
After about a year in the newspaper industry, Danisha is now living out her dream. She started her own digital marketing consulting business, Strategic Truth Solutions, where she can help tell stories from all over the world from the comfort of her own home.
“In 2020, I sat down and brainstormed what I really wanted to do and that was to help small businesses tell their unique stories. As a consultant, I can work one-on-one with small businesses and let them know how to get their stories out consistently and to the right people.”
Even though there are some tough days where Danisha doubts herself, she can always lean on her faith and her time in the Missouri State University system and know that she is well prepared to accomplish anything.
“Without having gone to Missouri State University-West Plains, I would not have the lifelong friends of the community of supporters I have today. The root of it all is the West Plains campus.”
When asked for advice for prospective college students, Danisha said to stop and live in the moment and focus on what you want to do. “MSU-WP gives you more opportunities to build better connections. The small campus is a remarkable option. Take advantage of it.”
