Academic Program: AS in Business

Hometown: Cabool, MO

“I feel like I always have someone to talk to, whether it’s my adviser or a favored teacher, and their advice has yet to let me down.”

Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains?

I appreciated the small class sizes, as well as knowing a lot of the teachers here because I had previously met them while working at places they frequented. I loved the atmosphere and relative calm compared to the average university, and its proximity to my home made it a natural choice.

How would you describe your experience here?

My experience here at Missouri State-West Plains has probably been among my favorite academic experiences of my life. I’ve found almost all of the teachers to be extremely helpful and passionate about their topics, which helps me actually remember the information due to how intensely they work to make their courses interesting.

What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains?

It would have to be the people, both staff and students. Some of the best friends I have ever made have been at this school, and I honestly think that the teachers are friendly and helpful enough that they treat their students like friends themselves.

What has been your favorite course?

It would have to be a bit of a toss-up between Introductory Philosophy and Early American History. Both classes had particularly passionate, focused teachers who managed to get me fired up over topics that otherwise could have been terribly boring.

How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains?

I’ve faced my fair share of struggles, and the aid of the faculty is often what has gotten me through it. Some of the best advice on how I plan to drive my life forward has indirectly come from the faculty, or more directly come from my advisers over the course of my studies here. I feel like I always have someone to talk to, whether it’s my adviser or a favored teacher, and their advice has yet to let me down.

How did you choose your major?

My life has never been the gentlest it could be, even though there are many worse off than I. I’ve always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father, who managed programming departments of major companies, but even beyond that personal hope there is an even greater reason why I want to tackle business. Many people have their own hopes and dreams, but oftentimes they will lack the framework to build their futures. With the skills and resources this degree provides me, I can just as readily help others fulfill their own life goals as I would propel myself to mine.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to try to go on to Missouri State-Springfield, enter a bachelor’s degree program in business and try to form connections with local businesses in order to get some practical knowledge and experience. If all goes well, I would love to eventually move closer to a large city and see where my experience takes me from there.