Why did I choose to attend Southeast?

I chose to attend Southeast Missouri State University because of the people and campus.  I was admitted to several other campuses and schools but none of them made me feel as "at home" as SEMO did, and as a first-year student, feeling "at home" was  important to me.  I knew that if I felt comfortable in my surroundings, I would then do better in school because I would be able to relax and focus on my studies instead of being homesick all the time.  The students and staff of Southeast Missouri State are remarkable as well.  The other colleges I have visited treated me like a figure, just one more person on the roster, just one additional person in a Chemistry class...and I didn't appreciate it.  I found that all of the administrators and advisors that I have met with on campus are really interested and committed to making sure I succeed in my college career.  My academic advisors make sure that my scheduling needs are met and that I am where I need to be, and they did with the utmost warmth and attention. 

What have been my experiences as a Southeast student since I moved on-campus and classes began?

My experiences have been a wide range of emotions.  I remember feeling overwhelmed when my Mom kissed me on my cheek and left me in my room alone.  I thought to myself "WHAT NOW?!?!"  My CA knocked on my door just a few seconds later to see if I needed anything, I tried to remember all of my questions that I had accumulated and just blurted them out all at once.  I thought "Oh great, I just got here and I've already branded myself a spaz and a loser!", she just chuckled and answered my questions.  My floor mates weren't bad either!  Knock after knock, I would get up to answer the door to find that just another one of my floor mates were introducing themselves.  I was taken aback by these nice gestures, "Are they nice because we're all honors students?  Or is everyone like this?"  Truth be told, everyone has been just as nice. 

I remember looking around the campus, trying to identify buildings and remember what classes were where.  The first day of school rolled around and I could safely sigh with relief when I saw those massive tents to help people find their classes.  Thankfully, I did not get lost and need to utilize one of them, but the fact that those tents and tables were there really made me feel better.  I got to my first class of the day, Chemistry, and thought to myself "Ok, this is a college Chem class...prepare for hours of boring lectures..."  Come to find out the first thing our professor did was crack a joke!  I came to find out over the course of the week that the professors are there not to intimidate you with their PhDs and Doctorate degrees, but to use their knowledge to help you and make you in-turn more knowledgeable.  They may be college classes, but that doesn't mean the professors don't like what they're doing.  It became apparent to me within the first day of classes that these are some of the most passionate teachers I've ever seen.  They make class interesting and fun, because they know that the more fun a class is, the more you learn. 

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