Counselor, West Plains High School
Mountain View, Missouri
AA, General Studies, Missouri State-West Plains
BS, Family and Consumer Science
MS, Counseling, Evangel University
Hometown: Birch Tree, Missouri
“I was able to attend college without having to be too far from home.”
Some students choose to go far off to start their education. Whitney Orchard chose to stick to her roots and make the small leap from Birch Tree to Missouri State University-West Plains. As part of her move, she chose to live on campus.
Orchard lived in the Grizzly House, a 60-person residence hall located in the heart of campus. It provided her with a friendly atmosphere in which to live, even though it was away from her family.
“Living on campus encouraged my involvement in programs and activities at the college,” Orchard said. “I made great life-long relationships and connections with other people living on campus.” The Garnett Library, classroom buildings and Putnam Student Center and cafeteria are all within walking distance of where she lived.
Growing Stronger Through Resources
Though Missouri State-West Plains seems small to alternative schools, it still had a lot to offer her. “I definitely encountered opportunities for growth. I had to reach out to people and develop relationships with my professors,” Orchard said. “My professors were great and truly took an interest in helping me be successful. One particular professor had high expectations for students, and I felt like she pushed me until she thought I had reached my full potential in her speech class.” This dedication and drive, she says, is something she has always appreciated.
“When you grow up in a small town, it’s easier to know who people are and identify resources,” Orchard continued. “That takes time and effort when starting college, and attending Missouri State-West Plains made the transition to college easier in so many ways.”
Now, Orchard has branched out through her education. She enjoyed teaching Family and Consumer Science classes for several years, and currently she works with parents and community members on a regular basis. “I truly love being a high school counselor,” she said.
When asked how she felt about her time at Missouri State-West Plains, Orchard said, ‘It was wonderful! I enjoyed the classes, living in the dorms, and I am so glad that I made the decision to attend!” She hopes new students can learn from experiences. “Get to know your professors be willing to ask for help,” she said. “Get involved and work at building relationships with people.”