This is Jeffrey, Signing Off.

Posted on 2012 May 17 by Jeffery Tignor

Well, everyone. . . It is my last office hour here at Missouri State University-West Plains. I have enjoyed every moment of it. For my last student journal, I am going to talk about Emma Stone. If you don’t know who Emma Stone is, I will tell you. She is a goddess. She is everything beautiful and wonderful in this world. She is my future wife. Feel free to search her name on the internet to get a visual of the stunning Emma Stone. OR watch the movie “Easy A”, “The Help”, or “Zombieland”.

I fully believe that one day I will marry Emma Stone. I also believe I will marry her because of the education given to me at Missouri State University. Here is my plan. *Goes into starry future dream-mode.*

One day I will be walking along the MSU-WP campus, reliving the memories that I have had here. The wonderful friends, faculty and staff will pop into my mind and I will be filled with nostalgia. I will be looking at the majestic clock tower and will bump into someone, literally. I will look down and begin to apologize, but before I can finish I will notice that I, Jeffrey Tignor, have pushed to the ground the one and only Emma Stone. I will begin to immediately stutter over my words, and fall to the ground as well. By the time we are done exchanging nervous laughter, I will calmly collect myself and ask her if she would like a tour. She will say yes, and I will begin to amaze her with my knowledge of this campus, brought about by my time as an ambassador here.

When I am done giving her a tour she will ask me about the philosopher’s cave, and luckily I will know exactly what she is talking about because I took Dennis Lancaster’s Honors class. We will then have intelligent conversation, brought about with topics that I learned from Missouri State University-West Plains.

I will then ask her to lunch with my incredible people skills that are all because of ambassadors, speech class, and the many friends that I made here on campus. She will have no choice but to accept. Literally, because if she says no, I will start to cry. Then she will do one of two things, go out of pity, or run away. If she runs away I will get lunch and bring it to her. So either way it is a win-win situation.

She will agree to go to lunch with me and I will ask her where she would like to eat. I will tell her that West Plains has an abundance of places to eat and shop. I learned this at Red Carpet Day.

After that, we will get married. Since I am an ordained minister (by power of the internet) I will marry us there on the spot! And when we have kids, they will go to Missouri State University-West Plains!

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Time’s Up!!

Posted on 2012 May 17 by Ty Rhoads

So as I finished my last final, I had an epiphany. My time here at Missouri State University-West Plains has come to an end. It’s a bittersweet feeling. I have had many great experiences here and have made many friends, but at the same time I feel like it is time for me to move on and finish my education.

It’s sad saying goodbye to all my friends that I may never see again, but I can’t help remembering all the great times I have had here on campus. Good times like playing Marco Polo in Lybyer, and watch Rachel Peterson go through gallons of hand sanitizer every semester. Most of all I think of what it has felt like to be a Grizzly. I think of what all I’ve learned and the amazing people that helped me get to this point. Although I never actually turned into a bear, I would say that my time here has been very successful and I will never forget anyone here at MSU-WP.

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We Are Not All 5’4″

Posted on 2012 May 14 by Melissa Hall

It all started when I was in kindergarten…when most kids were losing a first tooth, I was losing my first teeth and growing what seemed like an inch a day. Every school picture I have, guess where you can find me? Yes, that is right, I was always in the very back row. Of course I didn’t get any shorter and my shoe size was ever increasing. Now it might sound like I have all of these negative thoughts about being tall but that is not the case at all.

I was always the tallest girl in everything and when I entered college I was still pretty much one of the tallest girls. When people say to me, “Wow, you are really tall,” I often find myself just smiling and think, “Yes, yes I know I’m tall.” With my height between 6’ and 6’1” I find myself noticing how much taller I am than most girls. My friends say they don’t even think I am that tall, that may be because they don’t see from the aerial perspective I do.

The benefits of being tall outweigh everything though:
1.When a little old lady can’t reach her can of cranberry juice on the top shelf at the store, you can help.
2.Since you are already taller than everyone else you might as well wear heels when you want.
3.You can always find your friends in a crowd.
4.You’ll definitely be noticed by your height.
5.Being tall makes you unique.

These are just a few of the benefits of being tall. On campus my height has made me easily recognizable.  People know that I am a student ambassador, leader of the Youth Empowerment Campaign 2012, and recipient of the Campus Service Award.

If there are any younger girls out there who feel self-conscious about their height, don’t worry…all of us tall girls have been there. Of course you will have your struggles, whether it be the aching growing pains in your knees (yes, I still get those) or trying to find jeans that are long enough (what do stores think, that everyone is 5’4”?), but embrace your height. YOU ARE TALL! YOU ARE POWERFUL! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

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Nearing the End: A Procrastinator’s Guide to Survival

Posted on 2012 April 25 by Rachel Peterson

So the semester is winding down and finals week is rapidly approaching.  It’s the time of year when every class project is coming due, along with papers, tests, and other miscellaneous assignments.

Procrastination is the downfall of students at this time of year, and I have begun the slippery slope into the darkest pit of that descent.

Burning the midnight oil, as they say, has become a nightly occurrence at the Rhoads’ household, and will continue until around May 18th, which marks the end of the semester.  If you are like me then I have a few tips on how to survive the long days marking the end of the semester:

  1. Don’t bother with appearance because it only wastes precious sleeping time.
  2. A diet of coffee, power bars, and energy drinks is recommended for increased performance.
  3. Five minute power naps between classes energizes and fuels the body.
  4. Sunglasses will become your best friend because they hide the dark circles under your eyes and make you look inconspicuous while sleeping against a computer screen in the Lybyer Technology Center.
  5. Burn video games, block Facebook, and ignore family and friends because they are all mindless distractions that cause nothing but further pain and suffering.

All of these tips are foolproof and are scientifically proven to help, or in some cases, kill you.  I hope these tips will help all of you fellow procrastinators out there.  (Note:  I am not liable for any recourse these tips may cause.)

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Reflections: Part 1

Posted on 2012 April 25 by Anna Cantrell
Well, the school year has come and nearly gone, so in this journal I would like to reflect upon my first year as a Missouri State University-West Plains student. I have loved every minute of my college experience thus far and still have some exciting events to come before I move back home for the summer. The beginning of the school year was a blast and living on my own was so exciting. Welcome Week was a blast and I got my first chance to meet some wonderful people.
Ok…… I have to pause. Thomas, the world’s most amazing guy just sent me the biggest most beautiful vase of flowers with three balloons. I have to brag that it is our three year anniversary and I could not be more pleased with the wonderful guy in my life. He is so kind and thoughtful and he means the world to me. Thomas if you are reading this, thank you for the best three years of my life and I look forward to many more.
Wow, ok back to my journal. When I was in high school the thought of going to college scared me to death.  I have had nothing but a positive experience in West Plains and am so happy that I chose West Plains to further my education. I thought my hometown was friendly, but West Plains puts everyone to shame. The town and community embraces us students with open arms and does so much to make sure we succeed in school.
I really had a lot more I wanted to say but I cannot focus right now and channel my inner college mentor. I am signing off for now but I will follow up later when my head is on straight.
Thanks again Thomas, the flowers are beautiful!!!
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The Year is Winding Down and it’s Time to Celebrate

Posted on 2012 April 25 by Melissa Hall

Well the year is winding down and man has it been a whirlwind.  I remember that first day of the fall semester when I was so excited, nervous, and hopeful for what was about to come.  Now that I have completed my first year I am so pleased with how it went.  From the new friends, new knowledge, and new mentality towards life, I couldn’t be any happier with my experience at Missouri State University – West Plains.  All of my hard work this year has paid off and tomorrow night I get to attend Celebration of Leaders.

This event is a night celebrating students’ success and is open to anyone who would like to attend.  I am honored to be a part of the Student Ambassadors who will receive recognition.  I was also informed that I was nominated for an award.  I can’t even explain how grateful this makes me feel, because there are so many outstanding students at this school.

I am so excited for Celebration of Leaders to be here, where I can share a night with my peers, family, friends, and community members.  My first year here is ending and knowing that I will be transferring for my bachelor’s degree in January saddens me a little bit.  Thanks to Missouri State University – West Plains though, I have a positive outlook on college and the future.

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Pit Stains

Posted on 2012 April 18 by Perla Quintana

Boy, it’s warm.

It’s times like these when I appreciate the little things in life. Like air conditioning…considering the AC is broken in my dorm room.

Thankfully, some friends donated some fans to my suite’s cause, and my Mexican body was designed for the heat. I’m set for life!

Anyway, do you ever find yourself trying to study and then get side tracked with your phone, Facebook, or even day dreaming about the beautiful weather outside?
Well, I’ve got two words for you.

Stay focused.

Come on, guys. We’re over half way there! For those that don’t know, the last half (especially the last quarter) of the semester is when teachers really start to pile on the work. It seems just when the weather is nice enough to fly a kite or soak up some sun, teachers give you more work to stay inside. Ain’t that the pits?!

With this being my fourth year in college, I can honestly say, the rest of the time will fly by. My best advice is to be proactive. The sooner you get your homework done, the sooner you can go out to play ball, jog, or play video games.

*Most importantly, even above homework, pit stains don’t make ya bad, but stinky, non-showered pits do. Please bathe and deodorize accordingly. Especially if you live in my suite right now. [You know who you are.]

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Almost Out!

Posted on 2012 March 14 by Jeffery Tignor

Hey guys! Long time, no post. That is totally my fault. I have been super busy with getting ready to graduate and transfer colleges and life! This semester is almost over, and with that, my time here at Missouri State University-West Plains. For my last few journal posts, I will write about what I have enjoyed most about MSU-WP.

Firstly, one of the things I have enjoyed most about MSU-WP is the ambassador program. There is no feeling comparable to helping students with matters at this college. I have had the opportunity to meet tons of new people, practice my public speaking skills, influence youths to come to this college and better their lives, visit high schools and talk with the kids there about college, and have satisfying and successful hard work in this program. I feel like the ambassadors that I have shared this duty with have become a family to me. I am very close to a lot of them, and its nice knowing I have those friends there for me.

If you are thinking about or planning to go to this college, then I would highly suggest trying to be in the ambassador program. It truly is the chance of a lifetime and I have enjoyed every bit of it. (*Insert smiley face here*)

 

*Editor’s note:  To be eligible for the Student Ambassador program, please complete the scholarship application by 3/31/12.

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I Am Ty Rhoads and I Approve This Message

Posted on 2012 February 29 by Ty Rhoads

We are in the heat of campaign season, some would even say DEFCON 3, but only old people because that’s a Cold War thing. Being a political science major, I see campaigns and elections as a very important and entertaining time of the year, especially when a presidential election is involved.

However, most peeps my age just don’t see eye to eye with me on that. Kids these days think elections and politics are nothing but a bunch of hubbub and fiddle-dee-do. This worries me because I have no idea what “hubbub and fiddle-dee-do” means, so it could potentially dangerous or just plain creepy.

This is why I am giving the Youth Empowerment Campaign 2012 the Ty Rhoads stamp of approval. The Missouri State-West Plains Youth Empowerment Campaign 2012, is an initiative which encourages college students to be politically aware and active and vote, whether in student government, local, or national elections. I totally just copied that from the website but I really couldn’t have said it any better myself.   This iniative was started by the Missouri State-West Plains Student Ambassador organization, specifically my friend Melissa, and we’re presenting the iniative to the Student Government Association tomorrow in a hope to receive that group’s endorsement.

This campaign helps college students to be a part of the political process which is essential for being an aware citizen. I hope you look into the Youth Empowerment Campaign 2012 more, because if you don’t, you hate America….or something like that.

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Study Smarter Not Harder

Posted on 2012 February 29 by Anna Cantrell

So yesterday was a gloomy day for me. I got my test back for one of my classes and I did not get a good grade on it. I was so disappointed in myself because I had put in a LOT of time studying. But, what I was really doing was putting a lot of time but not pulling out the information that I needed. I was basically studying hard but was not smart about it at all.

I went and talked to one of the faculty members on campus and he knew me well enough to know that I do not enjoy reading so when I would crack open my text book and read for hours I was getting nothing out of it. He then suggested I try concept mapping and flash cards since I am a kinesthetic learner which means that I need to use many of my senses in order to take in information and for it to actually stick. He then suggested I go and actually talk to the instructor to find out what else I could be doing to improve my grade.

I got up the nerve to go and talk to her and it was really beneficial. She told me some of the resources that were available on blackboard and I studied smart for the first time last night.  I have a test in a week and hopefully it will be a much more positive experience for me.

So my advice to all students is to take the VARK test which tells you which kind of learner you are. Once you know the way you learn you can then tailor your study habits around the way you learn and you will be a much more successful student. Also, if you are having trouble in a class, do not wait until it is too late, be proactive and talk to faculty members and instructors and they will be more than willing to give you advice on how to improve your study skills. This link will take you to the site so you can take the VARK test and see what kind of a learner you are. Be proactive and you will be successful.

VARK TEST: http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

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