“My experience here has been amazing and very welcoming!”
Name: Lydia Davis
Academic Program: Associate of Applied Science in Community Behavioral Health Support
What is your hometown? Mountain View, MO
Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains? I chose to attend Missouri State-West Plains because it is close to my hometown, where I will commute to and from campus. The A+ Program was also a selling point since I was in the program my senior year of high school.
How would you describe your experience here? My experience here has been amazing and very welcoming. My freshman year I didn’t do much other than going to class and going home. My sophomore year, I decided to join the Student Ambassador program where I have seen myself grow and have made friends. It was scary at first, but I’m glad I decided to do it because if I didn’t, I would still be just going to class and going home. I also joined HOPE, which is the mental health awareness club on campus, and even though I haven’t been able to go to every meeting, I have still enjoyed it. I have found the faculty really want to see students succeed. That is vital to enjoying college for students like me.
What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains? My favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains has been the Student Ambassador program. I have learned to get out of my shell a bit. It is also very rewarding to see the students that I have given a personal tour to or have seen at Red Carpet Day on campus.
What has been your favorite course? And why? My favorite courses have been any math class with Mr. (Jerry) Trick. Currently, I am taking Abnormal Psychology with Mr. (Danny) Hobbs and he’s great!
How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains? The faculty and staff here at Missouri State-West Plains have been a big help. Any time I have had a question, I am usually able to find someone on campus willing to help me. They are always willing to give up some of their time just to help students.
How did you choose your major? I chose my major of CBHS because of my interest in the mental health field. This program is my second associate degree here at Missouri State-West Plains and this program is originally what I wanted to go for; however, it wasn’t available on campus until my sophomore year. I have struggled with my mental health, as most people do, and I want to help those struggling with the same problems.
What have you learned from the Student Ambassador program that will help you succeed in your education, career or life? I have learned many things from the Student Ambassador program that can help me succeed in life and my career. We talk to students about their interests, life and information like that as part of our conversation with them. I think this skill of going up to a total stranger will help me in life since I am an introvert. Everyone wants someone to talk to even if they don’t know that person. Some people just need to vent or simply want to talk to someone. I think this will go hand in hand with my career in the mental health field since I will be helping people from all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. The ability to adapt to a conversation will be a great strength.
What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation include getting a job at a mental health facility in West Plains or a surrounding area, living with my girlfriend, maybe get a dog, and simply enjoying life.