Name: Megan Zitter
Hometown: West Plains, MO
Currently Resides: Nixa, MO
Occupation: Registered nurse at Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield, MO
All Degrees Received: Associate of Science in Nursing and Associate of Arts in General Studies, Missouri State University-West Plains
Missouri State-West Plains was a convenient option for Megan Zitter
Megan Zitter wanted to complete her degree in nursing, but the demands of a family and full-time job limited her options. Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) offered her the convenience she needed to fulfill her dream.
“I made the decision to attend Missouri State-West Plains because I lived in the area with a family and a full-time job. I could not leave all of this to attend college. Missouri State-West Plains allowed me to finish my degree while working and maintaining a life at home,” the married mother of two explained.
“The entire staff in the Nursing Department was phenomenal.”
Megan knew the path she had chosen wouldn’t be easy, but MSU-WP’s faculty and staff gave her the support she needed to successfully complete her degree.
“I could not have asked for more,” she said. “I had to take a few weeks off during my first semester to take care of my husband. My professor was very understanding and scheduled everything for me to make up what I had missed. She also followed up with me after my next exam to make sure everything went all right (which it did). I always felt I had what I needed to succeed and build friendships that will last a lifetime.”
The financial aid office staff also were instrumental in helping Megan reach her goals. “I was offered several scholarships, and once, I nearly missed an opportunity because I did not fill out some of the paperwork properly. The financial aid office (representative) reminded me more than once to return the paperwork to them so I could receive the scholarship. Everyone was very understanding and easy to work with. I was very thankful for all of their help during my time there.”
“I am much more confident in myself…”
Megan’s time at MSU-WP gave her the confidence she needed to become a registered nurse and continue her education at Missouri State University in Springfield, where she plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“I have proven to myself that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to,” she said. “Overall, I am more satisfied with my life at work and at home. I feel that I can tell my children, with confidence, to reach for their goals and never let go!”
She encouraged other MSU-WP students to “find your motivation and never lose sight of it. My family (husband Tad and daughters Tinsley and Thea) was my motivation throughout my entire journey. I am thankful I can now enjoy the life I always dreamed of having with them.”