“I realized Missouri State-West Plains has a fantastic Child and Family Development Program and I didn’t want to go anywhere else!”
Academic Program: Associate of Applied Science in Child and Family Development
What is your hometown?
I claim West Plains, Missouri, even though I wasn’t born here.
Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains?
It is close to home, and I had A+ funds to use. After a year, I realized it has a fantastic child and family development program, and I didn’t want to go anywhere else after that!
How would you describe your experience here?
I have had a good experience here. Online classes have made it so easy to be able to hold a job and provide me the flexibility I need.
What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains?
Honestly, getting to know the staff, especially those in the Child and Family Development Department, has been so great. I have made great connections here! My second favorite thing has been the online courses offered. It has made it so easy to continue education.
What has been your favorite course?
I had a writing course – ENG 210 – that I really enjoyed because of the professor, Frank Priest. He really understands how to get on his students’ level, and I learned a lot in that class. (So, take my hint and register for his courses; you won’t regret it.)
How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains?
You can really tell when a staff or faculty member cares about the students and their success. When you experience that with them, it makes all the difference. I have been lucky to have met people like that during my time at Missouri State University-West Plains, and it has really encouraged me and helped me grow here.
How did you choose your major?
When I met my husband, he was a student in the child and family development program, and I looked at some of his classes. What really appealed to me was the fact that, even if I choose a career that has nothing to do with child and family development, it will still be applicable in my lifetime. It also was something I could see myself a part of in a career, so it was a win-win!
What have you learned from the Child and Family Development Department that will help you succeed in your education, career or life?
SO MUCH. It has given me the knowledge to understand people. I’ve learned a lot about people in the different stages of life that will help me succeed at being an understanding and loving person in whatever I decide to do with my life… I am one of the few people that will be able to use their degree and education if I decide to be a stay-at-home mom or a founder of an education curriculum. I would say I’m lucky to be able to say that.
What are your plans after graduation?
At the moment, I have chosen a to pursue a master’s degree in guidance and counseling with an emphasis on mental health. This will be done through the Springfield campus, and I can still complete it here in West Plains! I know for sure that I want to learn sign language after I have graduated for every obvious and not-so-obvious reasons. But, I really just want to find a way to put what I have learned to use in a way that will benefit the youth of my community in big and small ways.