Many Missouri State University (MSU) college students are studying hard to prepare for upcoming finals. We talk with a few about what brought them to MSU and how they navigate their day-to-day affairs here. Sophomores Zoe Stewart, and Audrey Lawless-Young both have important upbringings that brought them to studying at MSU. Stewart explains how her family keeps her going through the hard times.
“My family and friends back at home, who support me, keep me going; they are my number one fans and they believe in me the most,” Stewart said. Her parents were the ones who got her into basketball and she’s thankful for the way they continue to support her.
“I went into basketball when I was like five, and I told my dad I wanted to be the first girl in the NBA [National Basketball Association],” Stewart said. “I knew that wasn’t going to happen, but I was in love.” Audrey Lawless-Young also had an experience, at a young age, that made her certain of her dreams for the future.
“When I was in the third grade I was in this gifted education program, and we did this unit on brain surgery,” Lawless-Young said. “I don’t know why but I’ve been hooked [to the medical field] ever since.”
Lady Bears basketball point guard number 23, Zoe Stewart talks about how she has learned a lot from coaches and upperclassman as a sophomore on the court. She explains her methods of balance between schoolwork, basketball, and everyday life. "Staying organized and sticking to a rigid schedule helps me manage my busy life," Stewart said.
Shane Sellar is the administrative specialist at the Disability Resource Center, and he talks about the rewarding experiences that come with his job.
"Working with students is why we're here," Sellar said. "We have a lot of people who are pretty nervous and struggling; to be able to get them to where they need to go is pretty fulfilling."
Hiro Nagaoka is an active sophomore at Missouri State. He tells about his major while simultaneously walking on the treadmill, and studying for finals.
"I want to be an athletic trainer or maybe a strength trainer." Nagaoka said.
Madison Siege killed time in the bookstore before her 12:20 calculus class in the Bears Bookstore. This math class is one step closer to her dream of being a civil engineer.
"I went on a camping trip this summer, and there was a guy there who was a civil engineer," Siege said. "I always knew I wanted to be an engineer, but that helped me decide what kind."
Faith James (left) and Mackenzie Clendenning study together in the library. "We are studying for our upcoming chemistry lab final," Clendenning said.
Cellular and molecular biology major, Audrey Lawless-Young explains the struggles of being a college student.
"It's difficult to stay motivated with all of the work, but I try to think about what I've always wanted for my future and how this is going to help me get there," Lawless-Young said.
