“My experience here has been one of the best decisions of my life. The people here are community-minded and make you feel like it’s home.”

Name:  Gisella Hendricks

Academic Program: Associate of Science in Nursing

What is your hometown? Born in Philadelphia, PA; moved to the rural Alton area and have lived there since!

Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains?  I chose Missouri State-West Plains because many of the people I aspire to be like and consider my close friends have attended school here and highly recommended it! I also came to a bible study at Christian Campus House with a friend during my senior year of high year and the minister told me that he will be excited to see me on campus next semester so I thought “I have to come here now!”

How would you describe your experience here? My experience here has been one of the best decisions of my life. The people here are community-minded and make you feel like it’s home, plus this campus is full of opportunities for anyone and everyone.

What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains?  Some of my favorite things have been the growing and learning environment, leadership opportunities, involved faculty and the friendships I have made that I will cherish the rest of my life.

What has been your favorite course? And why?  This is tough because I have felt all my classes have had a purpose and have connected me with professors and students that I still interact with but Honors 100 was definitely one that comes to mind where I met new friends, was challenged, and learned things that I’ll carry with me forever even though it didn’t pertain to my specific degree.

How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains?  As a home-schooled student, I didn’t have any experience with a directed classroom but from the first class I had in the 2024 summer semester, I have been surprised in how helpful each professor has been, especially with how well they remember me and are willing to catch up with me when I see them outside of the classroom.

How did you choose your major?  I chose nursing due to a family accident where I didn’t know what to do. I chose to become a first responder, then became an Emergency Medical Technician in my senior year and loved it so much, so nursing was a logical next step!

What have you learned from student organizations you’re involved in that will help you succeed in your education, career or life?  The honors program has taught me to question why I think what I do, and has helped me grow a stronger confidence in my core beliefs and values along with applying critical thinking skills to all parts of my life and education. The Student Ambassador Program has also been incredible in growing my confidence in learning how to communicate and be helpful to others.

What are your plans after graduation?  I look forward to being a nurse in the ICU, ER or as a traveling nurse and always serve God through my new-learned talents and education.