As a student enrolled in the William and Virgina Darr Honors Program, Lydia Barton, West Plains, is working toward an Associate of Science in Business at Missouri State University-West Plains. Barton said the ability to further her education in her hometown was the best decision for her and added, “it has truly been a blessing!”
Barton chose the business degree path because she is still exploring various career fields. “The program provides a wide range of possibilities and allows me to keep my options open,” she said. Like Barton, many students enter college unsure which career pathway is the best for them. “[The business program] offers valuable knowledge and skills that I can apply no matter where my future takes me,” she added.
Barton credits several members of faculty who have made a significant impact on her college experience. “Everyone I’ve encountered has been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my time here.” She added, “A few faculty members who have made a significant impact are Jennifer Edgeller, Alex Pinnon and Melinda Denton.”
Her favorite class so far has been Honors 150, she said. “We read a lot of interesting material that I probably wouldn’t have encountered otherwise,” she said. “Being in the Honors Program has also opened the door to many opportunities, including volunteering, presenting at the Student Symposium, and studying abroad in China this fall.”
Picking just one most memorable college moment isn’t easy for Barton. “It’s hard to choose just one because there have been so many special moments,” she said. “If I had to pick, I’d say finding out that I would be spending the fall semester studying in China.” It was through the honors program that Barton learned about the opportunity to work toward her degree while studying at the MSU-WP campus in Dalian, China.
When not in class, or attending Christian Campus House events, Barton loves spending time in the tutoring center on campus. “I’m there often working on homework, studying and catching up with friends,” she said.
For Barton, one of the biggest challenges she had to overcome was self-doubt. “When I first started college, I was afraid of failing and worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the workload. Since then, I’ve proven myself wrong,” she said. “If the version of me from a year ago could see where I am today, she would be amazed by how much I’ve accomplished.”
A fun fact about Barton is that she worked as a barista for three years. “It has always been my dream to travel to Italy to experience the culture and, of course, try the coffee!” Barton said.
After graduating from MSU-WP, Barton plans to attend either MSU in Springfield or the University of Missouri in Columbia to earn a bachelor’s degree in business or political science while continuing to explore different career paths.
“I’m also considering law school afterward if I’m not quite ready to be done with school,” she added. “For now, I’m taking my journey one step at a time and staying open to wherever it may lead.”
