NW Missouri Times

Music lover Steven Owings from Mexico, Missouri, recently graduated from Northwest Missouri State University and is embarking on a new chapter in his career as a music teacher. Owings will be teaching music for pre-K through eighth grade at Northeast Randolph County R-4 School District in Cairo, Missouri.

Reflecting on his time at Northwest, Owings expressed his fondness for the campus and faculty, stating, "I took more visits, and I just kind of fell in love with the campus and in love with all the faculty." He credits the strong music program at Northwest for guiding him towards his chosen career path.

Owings highlighted the impact of his coursework at Northwest, mentioning, “The coursework I was involved in from the time I stepped on campus definitely prepared me.” He also shared how his experience at the university has broadened his perspective, stating, “It’s definitely made me more open-minded, listening to diverse perspectives that maybe I don’t agree with but being able to sit down and listen.”

Encouraging current and future students, Owings emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and trying new things. He remarked, “You’ll look back and you’re going to be graduating, and you’re going to be like, ‘Wow, that flew by really fast.’ Once you look back on your collegiate years... it will make you a much better human in the long run.”

As Owings embarks on his teaching career, his message of embracing new experiences and making the most of opportunities serves as a reminder to students to step out of their comfort zones and grow both personally and professionally.