Being my first semester at Missouri Southern, I have noticed many things I have never encountered before. After being born in California, lived in North Idaho for nine years then moving to Las Vegas this past summer with my family, I have only had experience with western culture. Many wouldn’t think that there is a big culture difference between the West Coast, Midwest and East Coast, but there is. For instance, I have never been surrounded by people who pray before eating lunch or clerks at Wal-Mart leading into conversation. People are friendly in this area, but for me, haven’t seemed very welcoming. The main thing I have been introduced to is instructors with their Ph.D. At my college in Idaho, there were only a handful of doctors, but for some reason, were more laid back than what I have noticed here. Those who I have carefully observed at Southern who have their doctorates seem to be hiding something. They keep away from students, lecture on an issue then quickly dismiss class, and we are on our separate ways. I’m not sure if it is the Midwest or if it is the (what seems to be) isolation of Joplin. Ideas are limited here. Thoughts are shut down. Differences are not discussed. I have enjoyed my stay while I’ve been here, but I have decided that it is time for me to go back to Vegas. I have heard the word “no” too many times, so I would rather go somewhere I am able to share my ideas and things can actually change instead of being the same. At Southern there are too many “higher-ups;” too many people to shutdown a suggestion. Nothing different will ever happen if this continues to occur. Nothing new, nothing interesting, nothing exciting.Southern offered me many things when I came here: a position as the International Editor on The Chart, a trip to Croatia, and an opportunity to be State Editor in the spring. This is what I wanted before I came here. My goal is to be a foreign correspondent, and I was given that opportunity at a school that has a great international program. But I am not happy. I am not happy with the area, the school, its faculty and administration, and frankly, with the newspaper. Everybody has been great. Everybody has helped me, but I have not transitioned the way I wish I could have. I have not changed the things I think need changing.After two days of living in Joplin, the Democratic Headquarters opened their doors to me, welcomed me and even gave me keys to the building. I thought I found a great group of people that I could easily befriend, but school overtook that chance. I had to go in and tell them I could no longer help out. If I wasn’t at school, I was at home reading or writing something that I have absolutely no interest in. I felt for a long there was something wrong with me. I could not concentrate, nothing was sinking in and I had no pride or satisfaction for anything I was doing. After making the decision to leave, I now realize it isn’t me. I have tried to bring new ideas to my endeavors, but no interest is shown.I have tried to give my best to my schoolwork and The Chart, but it doesn’t to seem good enough. No time exists for anything else. But, before I say goodbye, I will continue to give my best to my work, the newspaper and this school. Thank you to those who have given me opportunities I would have not had anywhere else.