Madison Bick
University of Missouri - St. LouisMadison Bick is a nursing major and member of the Pierre Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL). While involved in several volunteer activities off campus that directly impact underserved and/or in-crisis populations ranging from teens with learning disabilities to flood victims, it is her passion and dedication to service to her peers-particularly first-generation students-which motivates her key efforts on campus. She has been a peer mentor for three different programs and now mentors in the Oak Hall Living Learning Community where she lives with freshmen students, helping them navigate the transition to college. Madison also serves as a peer tutor for the biology department; a peer health educator for UMSL Triton Health Educators; and is an award-winning member of the Residential Life staff. She serves as a role model to other students through her commitment to serving the university community while developing impressive collaborative abilities through her involvement in various student organizations including membership on the Vice-Provost for Student Affairs Advisory Board, as well as the Student Government Association.
Personal Statement
My school is located in a lower-income urban neighborhood. Many students on my campus are first-generation college attendees, and most have extensive hopes and dreams for their futures. I am passionate about the vitally transformative impact higher education has on the lives of such students, and I've seen this first-hand in my experience as a student leader. I work as a first-year experience (FYE) mentor one-on-one and with groups of new students to ensure successful academic and social transitions during the first year of college. I am a huge proponent of early and active intervention, so I also work daily as a residential peer mentor, providing in-house tutoring, mentoring, and support for residential freshmen and sophomores. I work under my campus's Residential Education Coordinator and Honors FYE Coordinator to create opportunities that help my students develop meaningful connections and experiences across campus. I also work to initiate events and programs that promote long-term success in my students' academic careers through the Honors College, FYE program, and Residential Life. My goal is to help students feel a sense of belonging and purpose, and to instill the knowledge that they're each valued and significant parts of what makes our campus "home."