“I wanted to be a name, and not just a number to my instructors.”
Academic Program: Elementary Education
What is your hometown?
West Plains, Missouri
Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains?
It is located in my hometown, so I was able to stay close to my family. It also offered my dream career, so it was a no brainer! I wanted to be a name, and not just a number to my instructors. I’ve always gone to small schools, and that’s actually one of my biggest reasons for choosing this college.
How would you describe your experience here?
It has truly been wonderful! Everyone is so kind and beyond helpful. There are so many resources to use, in case you do not have them, and that has helped tremendously.
What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains?
My favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains is defiantly the teachers and staff. They want you to succeed and will help you in any way they possibly can. They are there FOR YOU, and I think that’s what I love the most!
What has been your favorite course?
My IDS class with Kerrie Jones has been my favorite class! She knew the workload we students had coming, so she knew top loading our course work would benefit us in the long run. I also LOVED the insight she gave us on college and what to expect afterwards. With her being a former advisor, she was able to answer a lot of questions we had.
How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains?
The writing lab tutors have been phenomenal in helping me improve my English papers, and the IT desk in Lybyer has always been there to help me with any of my technical questions!
How did you choose your major?
Well, I had never thought of becoming an elementary teacher until the end of my senior year of high school. I became an A+ tutor, like any logical student would, to receive help with college tuition. Come to find out, I absolutely LOVED tutoring those first graders! I loved it so much I changed my schedule and tutored twice a day. Finally, the first-grade teacher and the principal pulled me aside and told me that teaching would be the perfect fit for me, and I was convinced.
What have you learned from the elementary education department that will help you succeed in your education, career or life?
My EDU class this year has really taught me about things in education people don’t normally think about, the different learning styles, learning paces and different strategies I can utilize to help my students succeed.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to start my career in a local rural school like I went to. I can make a bigger impact on my students and have more one on one time with them. I think I can utilize my skill set the most in a smaller setting because that’s the kind of setting I grew up in!