Now, this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down; and I'd like to take a minute just sit right there I'll tell you how I became a student in a town called Joplin. When choosing a school, a lot of things go into consideration. If you know anything about MSSU, you know that it is a commuter school in a town that is the epitome of a "college town." But really, there are more living options for senior citizens than college students. However, there are some shining moments in this little Midwest town.
1. The Restuarant Scene
Joplin is a town of 50,000 people, but somehow a small portion of these people have found a way to create some of the most impressive restaurants I've ever been too. Some of them you would think belong in urban hipster areas. So when you're ever in town make sure to try out; Eagle Drive-In, Instant Karma, Mythos, and Red Onion Cafe.
2. The Falls
Who would think that there is a place that makes everyone go "What the hell?" in Joplin, Missouri. That's why we have the Falls. When the weather is great, everyone flocks to the one location for fishing, swimming, and all together college stupidity.
3. Third Thursday
Every month on the third Thursday, the Joplin Downtown Alliance puts together a street celebration basically. All the businesses open their doors to the hundreds of people that flood the streets. There's activities for children, street performers, food trucks, and killer drink specials. Everyone and their mothers bring out their dogs and friends to strut their stuff with the rest of the locals.
4. The CAB Events
Thanks to the fees that MSSU students pay that goes towards the Campus Activities Board, all sorts of activities are brought to campus. All for FREE to the students (since you've already paid for it through tuition). These things range from comedians, funnel cakes on the oval, and Stuff-A-Lion stuffed animal stuffing that has a line that starts up around 9 a.m.
5. JB's Downtown
As mentioned in already, Joplin, MO is not known as a "college town." So when you go downtown expecting to bar hop, you usually always end up at JB's. Their atmosphere is like a giant frat party from the movies. Karaoke, dancing, two bars, and beer pong. Not to mention on Thursdays when they have bottomless cups. Way to go, JB's, for being the only place college students can get drunk and still feel like college students!
6. Small Class Sizes
Thanks to not only the fact that MSSU is a commuter school and also a smaller university, the class sizes are nothing compared to other counterparts. The usual classes start at a max of 35 students per a class. Depending on the class, such as anatomy and physiology II, by the end of the semester, sometimes it ends up being just eight of you. What's better than having a professor all to yourself?
7. Greek Life
At most universities, you're looking at chapters that have hundreds of members. Their new member classes are bigger than my whole chapter. Not to mention, their dues range in the thousands. At MSSU the Greek life is small, but mighty. You know everyone personally and you're still able to strut your letters around campus. You don't get that type of experience everywhere.
Missouri Southern State University isn't your typical university. It's completely different than what I was expecting when I was a senior in high school looking for somewhere to further my education. Looking back on my decisions and the other schools I had been considering, I still couldn't be happier with my decision as a now senior in college.
