By Ace Grado/ Staff Writer

As summer approaches, students at Missouri Valley College find themselves at a crossroads—stay in Marshall or spend their break elsewhere. For many, the decision depends on academics, personal goals, and proximity to home. But no matter their path, each student’s summer tells a unique story.

For Paula Torresbaca, a 2023 graduate from Cancún, Mexico, summers in Marshall became more than just downtime—they were crucial to her experience as an international student.

“In order to stay here legally, I had to find ways to be productive,” said Torresbaca, who is now pursuing graduate studies at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. “Each summer was different, but every year, I made it a point to stay involved.”

During her first two summers, Torresbaca worked in the international office on campus, assisting prospective students from around the world. “I was often the first point of contact for students coming to the U.S.,” she said. “Helping them was one of the most rewarding parts of my time here.”

One summer, that role took her beyond Missouri—she attended an international conference and returned to Mexico to help recruit students. When not traveling, she stayed in Marshall, attending the local Catholic church and making weekend trips to Lake of the Ozarks. She embraced small-town life by visiting surrounding towns like Slater, Blackwater, and Concordia, even finding joy in back road cruising.

Her final summer in Marshall, after graduating, was spent managing the canteen—an experience aligned with her major. Though she noted that entertainment options in town were limited, she sought out local restaurants and took time to better understand the community that had become her home.

“I always tried to be a part of the culture here,” Torresbaca said. “Even after graduating, I come back to Marshall—not for the place, but for the people. The staff here became my family over six years.”

For local student Audrey Guzman of Slater, staying close to home during the summer was a practical decision. A nursing major expecting to graduate in May, Guzman took advantage of summer courses to stay on track.

“The summer classes helped me a lot,” she said. “They gave me the flexibility to balance school and my job, especially since I could work in a setting related to my major and earn credit at the same time.”

Living nearby gave Guzman the unique ability to integrate her academic and professional goals with her everyday life, all without the stress of relocation. For her, summer wasn’t just a break—it was a stepping stone.

Whether near or far, on campus or on the road, Missouri Valley students use their summers in ways that reflect their goals, identities, and values. For some, Marshall becomes a launching pad to new adventures. For others, it’s a place to root deeper and grow.