Bo Desmond- "If you expect someone to do something, you have to be willing to do it yourself first."

Words. The world continues to function because of them. This blog is possible because of them. Our daily interactions are based around them. Words have meaning and depth, and possess the ability to build someone up or tear them down in moments.

Bo Desmond has always been fascinated with words. He loves language and seeing how it plays out in its many forms: literature, film, articles. Each style is a unique art form in itself, and Bo sees the value in them all.

We found Bo at his College of the Ozarks workstation in the Center for Writing and Thinking. There, he is able to work creatively with students on their papers and projects, using the tools he is learning as an English major.

Upon first glance, one can immediately tell that Bo is far from the imagined 417-area resident. His workspace is full with literary classics that span centuries, and the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans hangs in the air. His style, communication skills, and overall demeanor are representative of an artistic lifestyle far beyond what one might expect from a stereotypical English major. Bo does not just study or teach English. He lives it.

“I believe that writing is the greatest form of expression, without doubt. I have such a passion for literature and it is something I want to share with others.”

But that was not always the case. During his childhood, growing up in Garden Valley, Texas, Bo was more interested in exploring the great outdoors than sitting still and focusing on a book. He had a wild imagination, aided by the rural location of his family’s home.

“I instinctively was drawn to rambunctious activities, but as I matured, I focused in on books and reading. I grew to love reading and literature, but could never really get a grasp on writing. It was always more challenging. Good thing I became an English major!”

It was a family friend who unknowingly inspired Bo to pursue English as more than just a hobby.    

“My sister’s friend Charlie would be at our house fairly often, and on this particular night I happened to be reading when he arrived. He looked at me and said ‘It’s awesome you’re reading. I wish I would have done that at your age’. He did not even realize it, but he had impacted the direction of my life with that small comment.”

By the young age of 14, Bo had already made up his mind to study English as a career, determined to receive a doctorate and eventually teach. Selecting such a goal is remarkable, but sticking to it takes more stamina than many young people are willing to put forth.

“My parents and sisters were always very encouraging of my goals. Just observing my parent's interactions with each other, the love that they have for the family, it has always inspired me.”

Bo’s perseverance could also be attributed to the work ethic instilled in him by his father.

“My Dad was always focused on what it meant to do your very best in everything. Hard work was always important in our family. Giving 100% was the only acceptable option. It is something I still try to do in my work today.”

When Bo began considering universities to apply for, College of the Ozarks was never an option on his list. That is, until he began to research the work program and opportunities available at C of O.

“I knew a C of O graduate, so I thought I might as well research it. I started to read about the work program, the ability to graduate debt free, the academic programs; I thought it sounded pretty impressive! My parents and I drove up for a tour and interview and I just knew it was right.”

Now approaching his senior year, Bo is reflective on the education he has received at C of O; an education that has developed his character as well as mind.

“When I first started school here, I found the rules to be incredibly challenging. It is just my personality to question the ‘why’ behind things and I found some rules frustrating. But I knew to make it by, I would have to do it.”

It was not until recently, however, that Bo changed his perspective.

“I have started to understand that rules and guidelines are from God. It is not just a matter of doing what we have to in order to get by, but we follow rules as a way to honor God. Now, I am able to see the value in our rules, and I follow them because I want to.”

As Bo nears graduation from College of the Ozarks, his next steps are not set in stone. Although he intends to pursue his doctorate and become a professor, he is unsure where that may lead him.

“Becoming a professor has so much appeal for me. It provides such a unique opportunity to pour into the lives of students and to be not only a mentor, but a friend and example. I know that God will take me where He needs me to go in order to fulfill that. As far as I am concerned, it is all in God’s hands.”

Through his teaching, Bo plans to continually emphasize the importance of leadership.
 

“I want my students to become thoughtful and compassionate leaders. If you see someone stumble, you should pick them up and point them in the right direction. We have to have leaders who can do that for others and are accountable in that for themselves as well.”

Bo believes that leading by example is crucial, and one can see how that influences his leadership even today.

“I try to live my life and lead with a simple concept in mind. A good leader is not above doing any form of hard work. If you expect someone to do something, you have to be willing to do it yourself first.”  

Haley Jones- "There is power in taking action"

Leaders experience doubt. This simple fact is often ignored but is full of truth. Some of the greatest leaders in history have at times doubted their abilities, leading them to question their very purpose. But it is not the existence of these questions that is significant. It is instead the response of the leader in times of despair that speaks to their character.

Haley Jones is a leader on the C of O campus. Her presence is felt in various clubs and activities across campus, and contagious personality brightens the day of all who come in contact with her. But even someone as energetic and positive as Haley has been faced with leadership challenges. However, her constant commitment to serving those around her and allowing God to light her path has directed her through even the most challenging of times. 

Haley was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in a strong and loving family environment.

“I grew up in a very close and loving family. They really gave me the encouragement to become a very social child. I remember a time when my parents actually had to set boundaries of how much I could spend time with people. It’s all I wanted to do!”

Her social abilities shined through her schoolwork, but the high standards she set for herself caused conflict in her life.

“Having a strong work ethic was a blessing. It got me to where I am. But there were definitely times, especially with schoolwork, where I would almost take it too far. I would make myself sick over grades and would be so discouraged if I got anything less than an A. Guess you could say I was kind of a perfectionist back then.”

Unlike many households where responsibilities of the home were divvied up according to gender, Haley and her sisters were encouraged to roll up their sleeves and learn any skill traits they were interested in.

“I was sort of raised in a women empowerment environment. My Dad always says, ‘Girls can do anything men can do. They just look better doing it.’ But he also taught us that sometimes recognizing weaknesses can be a powerful strength. I have always looked up to him so much.”

It was actually a connection through Haley’s Dad that brought College of the Ozarks to her attention.

 

“A family friend invited me to work one summer with Kanakuk at Kids Across America and my cabin co-leader was an alumnae of C of O. She brought me along with her to Honor America the summer before my senior year of high school, and instantly I knew. I turned to her and I said ‘I’m supposed to go to school here!’ I did not pursue any other options. I just…knew.”

The time Haley has spent so far at C of O has already developed her within her career field. She said she was drawn to Public Relations because of her extroverted personality and her love for language and communication. However, there is more behind it for Haley then the press releases and news conferences.

“Personally, the opportunity to be a PR professional is the opportunity to take on a cause that I am passionate about and advocating for that cause. I want to be a voice for the voiceless in all that I do, just as the Holy Spirit has spoken for and through me.”

She is open to wherever God is leading her, but currently feels drawn to the Native American population in the United States.

“Sometimes, in the field, missionaries can be too busy doing basic survival work to take the time to communicate their needs. I would like to be able to intercede on their behalf and advocate for them so they can be on the front lines.”

Haley says that her missions work is humbling, and she often grows greatly during the process.  

“Missions work is not always about what God wants to do through you, but instead focuses on what He wants to do IN you. That’s what it is really about.”

The growth she has experienced and leadership opportunities she has been given have not been without struggle. Nevertheless, she recognizes the positive in it all.

“I have struggled a lot this semester with what it means to be a good leader and it has honestly had me discouraged at times. Why do I try to act as if I have it all together? How can someone as messed up as me be a leader? It is during these times of self-doubt that I rally lean on others and on God. I can see the changes He is calling out in me, and sometimes we have to suffer through it, but He once suffered as well. Being transparent, admitting when I do not have it together, leading by example: that to me is what leadership is about.”

To others who may be struggling in their faith or purpose, Haley has some simple advice that has inspired her.

“You have to get through the pain by leaning on God and those around you. Never lose sight of His plan and continue to share what He has done for you with others. There is power in taking action."

Josh Cook- "Without finding people willing to follow you, you cannot really be a leader."



Josh Cook did not expect to be at College of the Ozarks. Like so many of us have done, he was too focused on the path directly ahead of him to see other options. God, however, had other plans for Josh. Unexpected challenges and a change of perspective opened him to a new path; a path that has led him to new opportunities at Point Lookout and C of O.

We found Josh at the College of the Ozarks campus dairy barn, where he cares for the animals and upkeep of the barns as part of the work program. Many would complain about such difficult, manual labor. For Josh, however, the dairy barn at school feels like home. The early mornings, caring for newborn calves, aiding in the daily milking process; it is second nature to Josh.

“I grew up on a dairy farm in Seymour, Missouri. It taught me about hard work at a young age, and I can see how that work ethic has paid off throughout my life. Some people talk about how farm life could never be for them, but for my family, it is just what we’ve known.”

Family is something that Josh takes quite seriously. Growing up with two sisters was challenging at times, but he says that the environment created by his parents allowed for the family to grow close.

“I tried to stay reasonable and level headed in any sort of conflict situations. I sort of found myself taking on the peacemaker role in our house whenever it was needed.”

Josh accredits his Dad with demonstrating the first real examples of leadership he can remember. “I really looked to my Dad as the strong and loving leader of our family. He is a true example of a hard work ethic, but even while waking up every day at 3 A.M. to tend to the farm, he made sure to put us above himself.”

Athletics also became a major part of Josh’s life, as he became involved in basketball and baseball. His coaches investing in him on and off the field proved to be motivational for Josh. As the graduation date drew closer, Josh was seeing life fall into place. He had decided to go to Williams Baptist College with a guaranteed spot on their baseball team. But things were not quite what he expected.

“My main reason for going to Williams Baptist was to play baseball, but things were so different there. I didn’t feel like I was being challenged or really invested in. Plus being away from my family was beginning to wear on me.”

Josh remembered conversations he had with his math teacher about C of O, and he began to look at Hard Work U as an option. He transferred shortly after being accepted, and has now shifted his focus of study to a degree in Math Education.

“Math is constant that is always true. It can teach students to look at problems differently; to step back and think about the whole picture. That is why I love it. But even beyond that, I enjoy teaching because it provides purpose. You have the opportunity to help students grow through your work, which is so rewarding.”

In the future, Josh is hoping to better his leadership skills with opportunities at C of O and beyond. He values a leader’s ability to lead by example and communicate effectively.

“As leaders, we can have great ideas that we want to share, but if we have no communication skills then the idea is no good. Developing that skill is something that I am constantly working on.

Josh has plans to return to his hometown to both teach and coach within his community. He says he hopes to stay close to his family, helping on the farm and eventually being able to involve his kids in that same process. Josh is passionate about bettering his community, and has some opinions that differ from common views of success in today’s society.

“In most small towns in America, all of the ‘good’ kids grow up and try to leave immediately. They think that this will help to give them a better life, but what it means for the community is that all of the other kids stay. This can really effect the growth of a town. If you want to see change in your community, you have to be willing to sacrifice of yourself and really invest in what is happening there.”

As Josh looks ahead, he is focused on developing and encouraging his followers, whether in the classroom or on the field.

“For me, leadership is only successful if you have people who are willing to follow you and listen to what you have to say. I want to reach out to my students in a way that they feel comfortable with listening to me. Without finding people willing to follow you, you cannot really be a leader."