Why was SEMO a smart choice for you?

I have loved everything about my time here at Southeast! The school is an average size so I have been able to branch out of my shell while not feeling completely overwhelmed by the number of students. Here, I am more than just a number as many professors know my name and actually care about my academic success. It is also a large enough school to provide plenty of opportunities as I prepare for my future.

What is it that you feel sets SEMO apart when you were making your college decision?

I chose this school because it was a little closer to home than my other options, and the students/faculty were so friendly when I toured. I enjoy the town of Cape Girardeau as a whole because it is bigger than my hometown but not as overwhelming as St. Louis can be. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and enough activities to entertain the community. The river wall and downtown area are still a couple of my favorite things about this area. I really enjoy being outside and have found Cape to be a very beautiful area.

What is your major and how do you feel that program is preparing you for a successful career?

I am an accounting major, and I feel very prepared for my future career. I got involved with Beta Alpha Psi as a freshman and am currently serving as the Reporting Secretary. Through this organization, I have been offered an audit internship for the summer of 2021 that will hopefully lead to a full time position. I have also been able to take many classes that will prepare me for this future that aren't limited to accounting. I have taken classes in marketing, management, ethics, finance, and so on that will help me become a more well-rounded individual.

Do you have a scholarship?

Yes

If you have a scholarship, how will your scholarship from SEMO help you graduate with less debt and what will that mean for your life after graduation?

I earned the Regents' Scholarship due to my ACT score which covers the cost of my tuition. I also currently have a room and board scholarship that comes from my position as a Resident Assistant. With these scholarships, I will not have to worry as much about post-graduation debt. Instead, I can focus on the next steps in my career such as preparing for the CPA exam.

What is your favorite thing about SEMO?

My favorite thing would have to be the Learning Community housing options offered in the dorms. I lived in the Business Learning Community my freshman year and was able to meet some of my best friends. I was also able to get more involved in the Harrison College of Business and Computing. I have lived in this community for three years now and am currently serving as the RA, so I have been able to grow in leadership ability and involvement each year through this program.

Describe SEMO in two sentences.

I would consider SEMO my home. SEMO is a place where memories are made.

What makes SEMO faculty great?

SEMO faculty are always eager to help their students. Many respond quickly to emails and are willing to take time out of their personal lives to engage with those they teach. They are also very friendly and willing to have more casual conversations because they actually care about the well-being of their students.

Describe life on campus?

Life on campus is amazing! I enjoy the independence and opportunity to discover the beginnings of adulthood. Here, I am responsible for my meals (through Chartwells of course), scheduling my time, and getting involved. I enjoy living with my friends and being able to have almost everything I need all in one campus.

Are you involved in Greek Life, Honors Program or any other student organization, please tell us about that experience and how it has impacted you.

I am involved in the Jane Stephens Honors Program on campus. Through this, I have been able to challenge myself academically as I work to graduate with honors. I am also involved with Beta Alpha Psi, as stated above, which has greatly prepared me for my future career. I am also in NRHH and was recently inducted into Rho Alpha Sigma. I also participate in the running club intramural team after running both track and cross country in high school. Through all of these organizations, I have been able to make new friends and strengthen my leadership abilities.