Shane Hull is a sophomore at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) who began his collegiate career as a traditional student – one who enrolls in college immediately following high school. These students have their own sets of challenges, from picking the college they want to attend to actually attending classes. In this column, Shane continues his story as a traditional college student by discussing how becoming involved on campus impacted his experience.

My momma always taught me to help when needed and expect nothing in return. That is a lesson I carry with me to this very day, and I like to think it shows in the work I do at MSU-WP. I have been a Student Ambassador in the admissions office, captain of the Overwatch Grizzly eSports team, and I hold a position as a student assistant in MSU-WP university communications office.

Student Ambassadors Program

After I decided I wanted to attend MSU-WP, I took a tour of campus with Student Ambassadors Grace Schierling and Daegen Green. They were the kindest and most informative people and immediately assured me that this campus was the one for me. That tour also led me to apply for a Student Ambassador position myself during my freshman year.

As a Student Ambassador, I was held to a higher standard than most because I represented our campus on multiple levels. I gave tours of the campus to prospective students, helped with community and campus events, made posts on the admissions office’s social media accounts, and helped with Red Carpet Days (RCD).

On RCDs, we gave tours to large groups of prospective students and told them everything they needed to know about our beautiful campus! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have represented this campus alongside my amazing fellow Ambassadors and the wonderful admissions team.

Grizzly eSports

I started playing for the Grizzly eSports team in during the 2022 spring semester. Originally, I was only interested in playing one game, Overwatch; however, as our team grew at a rapid pace, I was introduced to many fun games and now I am on two separate game rosters!

Coaches Alex Pinnon and CJ Collins had faith in my abilities to lead a roster to success and made my friend and suitemate Dalton Ball and myself co-captains of the Overwatch roster. There is a certain pressure and standard you are held to as captain, but there is also an extreme pride I have in my teammates when we succeed, and even when we fail.

This team has given me many blessings and I am thankful for all who played a role in establishing the Grizzly eSports team. We love you, Coach Pinnon and Coach Collins!

Becoming a Communications Assistant

The last and most recent position I have had the privilege of holding is the title of Communications Assistant in the university communications office at Kellett Hall. University communications is unlike any other workplace I have ever been a part of. I met Public Relations Specialist Vickie Driskell from participating in many campus photoshoots as an Ambassador and through the Grizzly eSports program.

When the opportunity arose for me to apply for the position as communications assistant through the William and Virginia Darr Corps of Opportunity Program, I hopped right on it!

In the position, I would be able to take photos of campus events and assist the staff with writing projects, such as this one. Luckily, Vickie and Associate Vice Chancellor of University Communications Dakota Bates took a liking to me and offered me the position, which I gladly accepted.

I am very grateful that I have this opportunity as a Corps of Opportunity student to have a paying position on campus to help support myself while I live away from home.

Everyone in the office has been absolutely fantastic, answering any questions I have and giving me opportunities to build my skills when it comes to photography and journalism. This office has quickly become my favorite place on campus and that has everything to do with the team that fills it!

In his next column, Shane will discuss how he is preparing to continue his education after leaving Missouri State University-West Plains.