Hometown: Pottersville, MO
Currently Resides: Springfield, MO
All Degrees: Associate of Arts in General Studies (Early Degree Program), Missouri State University-West Plains; pursuing bachelor’s degree in biology at Missouri State University-Springfield
“Being a Grizzly really exposed me to so many things that will foster success in my future.”
For Ellie Walker, her two years as a student at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) is an experience she would never change and could never forget. Through every step of her educational journey she felt supported. “This campus is made up of so many helpful, generous and knowledgeable people who truly want every individual enrolled to succeed,” Ellie said.
One of those people is Cindy Bridges, Ellie’s advisor. “She always went above and beyond to help me in anyway possible, whether it was a simple check-in to ensure I was doing okay or scheduling my classes in a way that allowed me to efficiently handle my workload,” Ellie said.
Ellie said every class she attended was unique and taught her different things. “I’m extremely thankful for the professors who worked hard to not only make me more knowledgeable, but also cared for my wellbeing,” she said.
As part of the early degree program, Ellie was able to get a head start on her college education, as well as insight into what her future as a college student would look like, better preparing her for the years ahead.
“It truly was a very nurturing environment, and I never felt out of place on this campus,” she said. “I think the sense of community at Missouri State-West Plains really enabled me to succeed in earning my degree, along with the numerous resources that were always made available to me.”
“Missouri State-West Plains not only provided me a quality education, but also caused me to grow exponentially as both a student and a person.”
Ellie initially entered school scared and intimidated but found the campus to be incredibly welcoming and inclusive. “Having no idea what was ahead of me, I first enrolled as a 16-year-old who had never been on a college campus,” she said. “I think Missouri State-West Plains really allowed me to grow and mature dramatically.”
She admits that the courses she took as a student were much more challenging and demanding than those she would have taken in high school, but they paid off by giving her a wealth of knowledge in the long run. “I had a strong work ethic when it came to academics initially, but Missouri State-West Plains has further instilled in me how critical it is to be unwaveringly determined – and showed me just how successful I can be by doing so.”
Ellie’s greatest achievement as a student has been keeping her GPA at the same level it was in high school, despite the challenging classes. “Being in high school and college at the same time was a real juggling act, but I’m ultimately very proud of myself for the way I handled the situation. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the faculty, who not only instructed me well, but understood my circumstances and were always very understanding,” she said.
“Take advantage of every opportunity you’re given… Focus ultimately on your goals and responsibilities, but allow yourself to venture out of your comfort zone as well!”
Ellie’s next step is to a transfer to the Missouri State University campus in Springfield this fall. She plans to major in biology, with her ultimate goal being a career in either veterinary medicine or forensic science.
“I knew that choosing to go to Missouri State-West Plains would give me a smooth transition to the Springfield campus, where I’ll be finishing my bachelor’s degree,” she said. “I also chose Missouri State-West Plains because it’s a fairly small school with a great atmosphere, with so many faculty members who are always eager to help their students in any way possible!”
Her best advice to any students considering enrolling it to make the most of their time at the university.