“Faculty and staff have always been super supportive!”
Name: Aubrey Hull
Academic Program: Associate of Arts in Health Professions (Pre-Dental Hygiene)
What is your hometown? Bloomfield, MO
Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains? I chose to attend Missouri State-West Plains because of the wonderful things I heard about from my brother, Shane. The university’s welcoming environment, along with being able to use my A+ Program Scholarship, made it an easy choice. Coming from a small hometown, I was drawn to the larger town and more dynamic atmosphere. When I visited for the first time, I was greeted with open arms and introduced to all the exciting opportunities available.
How would you describe your experience here? My experience has been transformative! Back in my hometown,I knew everyone and never had to start over or face things on my own. Coming to West Plains opened my eyes to. how different life can be outside of that familiar bubble. The campus is beautiful and I’ve formed friendships here that I couldn’t imagine living without. I’ve taken chances in many areas of my life since being here and, thanks to the incredible people around me, I have grown in ways I never expected.
What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains? My favorite thing about MSU-WP has been the Student Ambassador Program. Every week I am excited to be surrounded by my fellow ambassadors and get to represent my school to prospective students.
What has been your favorite course? And why? My favorite course so far has been Public Speaking with Gary Phillips. While I’ve never minded speaking in front of others, this class helped push me out of my comfort zone in a different way! It encouraged me to connect with people and learn about the lives of my fellow students. Dr. Phillips designed the course to be more than just about speeches. He wanted it to be an opportunity for building friendships and growing within the university community. His goal for us was to know our peers and to look forward to class each day.
How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains? Faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive throughout my time here. They’ve always encouraged me and made me feel valued. I have never had a negative experience with any professor or staff member on campus. They’re always willing to stop what they’re doing to have a conversation, or in my case as the University Communications Social Media Assistant, help me film a silly Tik Tok. No matter what questions I have, they are eager to help in any way they can.
How did you choose your major?I chose Health Professions because I knew I wanted a career where I could help people, but didn’t feel that nursing was the right fit. My interest in dental hygiene began in 5th grade when I busted my front tooth and thought that I would never have a pretty smile again. I went to the dentist and they assured me that everything would be okay and each time I returned they helped “make my smile pretty again”, as I always used to say when visiting them.
It showed me how powerful a smile can be and how it could restore my confidence. I knew then that I wanted a career where I could interact with people and create positive experiences. My goal is to make a dentist office a place where people are excited to visit, just like it did to me back in 5th grade.
What have you learned from student organizations you’re involved in that will help you succeed in your education, career or life? One of the biggest lessons I have learned from the Student Ambassadors Program is that the way you interact with people matters more than you realize. As ambassadors, our role on campus is to be leaders and to reflect the positive impact MSU-West Plains can have on someone’s life. Through this experience, I have become more mindful in my day-to-day interactions, always remembering that someone is watching and that first impressions can shape entire relationships. I now lead with kindness, professionalism and authenticity, both on-campus and off.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I plan to attend a dental hygiene school and move back to my hometown to begin my career in the dental field. I am excited to take the next step toward helping people feel more confident in their smiles and to make a positive impact in my community.