AMANDA COLLINS, center, West Plains, receives congratulations from faculty members after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing degree from Missouri State University during Missouri State University-West Plains’ (MSU-WP) annual commencement ceremony in May. The degree was the culmination of a long-held dream for Collins, who began her educational journey as a non-traditional student in 2016. (MSU-WP Photo)
My Non-traditional Path to Success: The Culmination of a Dream
Editor’s note: Non-traditional students sometimes face a set of unique challenges when they embark on the journey to obtain a college degree. Amanda Collins, a graduate of both Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) and Missouri State University-Springfield, knows those challenges well. In her column “My Non-Traditional Path to Success” on this page, she is sharing her story and providing insights into the higher education processes for others like her who are considering a return to the classroom. Collins works part time on several projects in the MSU-WP university communications office
Changing Degrees
In my last column, I mentioned how I discovered through hands-on learning that working in a classroom would not work well with my introversion; I’m better suited working one-on-one or in a small group. When I realized my education major wasn’t a good fit for me, I sought advice from Leigh Adams, my favorite English instructor. She knew I enjoyed document design, so she suggested I research Professional and Technical Writing.
I planned to transfer to the Springfield, MO campus because I was familiar with the area and MSU-WP is set up to easily transition from a two-year degree to a four-year degree. Knowing this, I went to the MSU Transfer Equivalency Guide and compared it with course requirements for professional writing. I learned that nearly all the classes I took would transfer to this degree. This meant that the hard work and time I invested in Elementary Education was not in vain!
Meeting my Adviser
Next, I setup an interview with my academic advisor, Bruce Cavitt. I was nervous about the process and felt a little embarrassed about switching in the middle of my associate degree. He explained that it’s common for students to change their degrees. According to research, about 30% of undergraduates in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs changed their major at least once within the first three years of enrollment.
Because degree-centered classes include hands-on learning opportunities, students learn skills they may use in their career. Then students can see if their degree major is right for them. Cavitt told me that students he advises will come to him after attending such classes. These students are either excited about their major or distressed about changing degree majors.
Cavitt contacted an academic advisor for the professional writing degree, and we discussed some of the details involved in the course. We also discussed potential job placements for students who graduate with this degree, and the flexibility of this field appealed to me. Shortly after our conference, I reported to the office of registration and records to change my degree. The process was easy, and I was relieved I was finally on the right track.
Transferring to Springfield
My last enrolled semester at Missouri State University – West Plains, wasn’t as terrifying as I feared. I had two final courses to complete my associate degree, but I wanted to get a jumpstart on my bachelor’s.
To take courses from the Springfield, MO campus, I had to apply to admissions through a free online application. It was an easy process. Once I received verification I was admitted, I completed the checklist for transfer students. Due to the driving distance, I met my new professional writing degree advisor, Tracy Dalton via Zoom. I enjoyed visiting with her and was optimistic about upcoming classes.
My new advisor reviewed my academic record and commended me on my GPA. She approved my transfer, knowing I would complete my general education requirements in May 2019. With her approval, I enrolled for my first two courses for my bachelor’s degree while finishing up my associate degree. I couldn’t wait to take these classes because they were focused on the degree I wanted to pursue.
Graduation
On May 18, 2019, I graduated from Missouri State University-West Plains with my Associate of Arts in General Studies, magna cum laude. It took me three years to complete my two-year degree, but I did it! I’m proud of all my accomplishments, but more importantly, I’m honored with the help I’ve had along the way. This journey was more than earning a degree: I grew as an individual and made meaningful relationships with faculty, my fellow classmates and staff. The people on campus became an integral part of my life which is priceless.
With permission, I was allowed to stay on campus as a student-worker while I continued making strides toward my Professional Writing degree. Working one-on-one with students in the writing center was one of my favorite jobs. Then, in August 2021, I transferred to a position in university communications.
Finally, in December 2021, I graduated from Missouri State University with my Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing, again with magna cum laude honors. I also earned a certificate in Workplace Writing. Because I took all my undergraduate courses online, I was able to stay in West Plains and work on campus with my favorite people. Instead of participating in commencement in Springfield, I opted to walk with the graduating cohort on May 21, 2022. Overall, I’m grateful for the opportunity to overcome so many obstacles and grow through my education experience.