“Everyone just exudes friendliness and helpfulness.”
Academic Program: AAS in Health Information Technology
Hometown: Mammoth Spring, Ark.
Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains?
I chose to attend MSU-WP because it was close to where I lived, it had several programs that I thought I might be interested in, and I had several family members who had attended and had positive experiences here before me.
How would you describe your experience here?
I have absolutely loved my time here at MSU-WP, and I will be really sad to go! I have grown so much as a person, academically but also mentally and spiritually, while taking classes here. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to a world of endless possibilities.
What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains?
My favorite thing about MSU-WP would have to be the academic atmosphere on campus. Everyone just exudes friendliness and helpfulness. I have never felt like I was on my own in completing my degrees and certificates in my three years of attending here. I feel like MSU-WP is my educational/academic home.
What has been your favorite course?
My favorite course would have to be HST 121: Survey of US History to 1877 with Dr. Jason McCollom. The Civil War and slavery are passions of mine to learn about in my spare time, and this class covered that. Dr. McCollom made each class like a story time!
How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains?
Every single person I have come into contact with during my time at MSU-WP has been nothing but friendly and super helpful. I’ve always felt looked after, in a sense, regarding my academic life, and the faculty and staff here are the ones behind this. They have shown me that no question is too simple and no concern too small. They are the ones who not only showed me how to succeed in college, but in my career afterwards. I am very thankful for all they have graciously taught and helped me with throughout my time here.
How did you choose your major?
I knew I liked healthcare, but I didn’t want to actually be poking and prodding on people. I also knew that I liked the organization of the business side of things. HIT combines both of those. You get to work in healthcare (and generally a healthcare setting), but you aren’t directly interacting with the patients. You also work with computers and software all day and have to be organized with this career just as you would in business.
What have you learned from the HIT Department that will help you succeed in your education, career or life?
The HIT Department here at MSU-WP has taught me many things, but I feel like the most important or significant one would have to be perseverance. Coding isn’t as easy as most people think it is, but Ms. Neff and Mrs. Ryan won’t let you give up. They have boosted my confidence many a time! I liked that they teach you that it is normal and even expected to make mistakes. But you have to move forward in a positive and productive way. This is what truly matters in the end. Hard work and perseverance are the keys to this major/career, and the accomplishment at the end of it all is ever so sweet!
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans as of now are to graduate with my AAS in HIT and several certificates within the HIT program and hopefully find a coding/billing job within a healthcare setting close to home. I want to work there for a while to gain some experience, and then hopefully be able to work from home whenever my husband and I start our family. Once any children we have are school aged, I can then decide if I want to go back into the outside workforce again or keep working from home.