Welcome back everybody! For those of you who are new to campus I want to welcome you with a big smile on my face and a song in my heart. It sounds cheesy, but it is so true. Missouri State University-West Plains is my new home and I am so proud to call it so. This summer was great, don’t get me wrong, but as soon as I stepped foot on campus a sense of happiness came over me. Why am a so crazy about this place? Well for starters it is staffed by some of the kindest people I have had the pleasure to be around. The faculty and staff on campus not only care about my academic success, but also care about me as a person. When I am excited they cheer with me, when I am down they are there to pick me up. I can’t say enough good things about everyone, but here are just a few.
I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have received even in just the short time of being a student here. First, through the Corps of Opportunity Program I am able to have a job in Registration and Records as a student worker. I want to say thanks to my boss, Shanna Dale, for hiring me and being so flexible with my hectic schedule. Also big thanks to Dana, Peggy, and Terri for answering all my questions when I am working.
Next, I am proud to call myself a former student of the Darr Honors Program. Dennis Lancaster opened my narrow mind and helped me to see both sides of stories and to think on a deep level. That may sound weird to you, the reader, but ask an honors student and they will tell you.
Rogers Taylor, what a guy. He was there to help me fix my first flat tire and now we work together since I am the Head RA of the Grizzly House. Being an RA this year has definitely tried my patience, but has taught me how to better communicate with my peers as well as how to be a leader.
Lastly, I would not be at this university talking about how blessed I am if it weren’t for Rachel Peterson. Rachel came to my mom’s school and did a college visit. My mom was so impressed by Rachel that mom wanted me to meet her and look at MSU-WP. I met Rachel and came for a Red Carpet Day and knew that this was the right fit for me. Thank you Rachel for the countless things you have done for me.
This blog was a pleasure for me to write and only a small way to show gratitude for some great people since these are such strong feelings for me. Note that not everyone is mentioned, but I didn’t want to go on forever, so if I missed you I am sorry. Just take away from this that I am so blessed to go to school here and am proud to be a Grizzly!
