Show-Me State Times

At the University of Missouri, student education extends beyond academic achievement, focusing on preparing them as well-rounded individuals ready for life beyond graduation. Melissa Herzog’s "Successful Adulting" class embodies this mission by offering practical skills essential for post-college life, covering areas from health management to financial literacy, interpersonal relationships, and professional readiness.

Last spring, over 100 students joined the class to learn about budgeting, meal planning, independent living, interpersonal relationships, and professionalism. Herzog describes the course content as “news you can use.” She emphasizes the importance of equipping Gen Z with life skills and confidence, recognizing the anxiety and lack of preparedness many young people feel about the future.

Open to students of all majors and levels, the course delves into preventative health care, tax strategies, and retirement planning. Professionally, students gain skills in resume building, negotiating job offers, and navigating workplace benefits. Personally, they explore relationship values, stress management, and health habits.

Herzog believes in evidence-based strategies over "life hacks" to ensure students feel confident and prepared for adulthood. The course includes a unit on "personal dwelling" to educate students on renter rights and home safety.

Feedback from past students indicates increased confidence in managing finances, health, and relationships. In addition to practical skills, students earn behavioral science credits. Herzog collaborates with campus and local organizations, bringing in guest speakers to enhance learning experiences.

Specialists from the College of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Science, and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources contribute to the course content. Herzog, who joined Mizzou in 2008 with a focus on social relationships and youth development, emphasizes the importance of connecting with students and not just teaching basics.

The goal is for students to leave Mizzou prepared to thrive. "A class like this, which is not offered at every university, gives students the chance to apply these skills in a way that they can live their best lives,” Herzog said. “It is very rewarding to prepare young people to be confident, engaged members of their communities."

Students interested in enrolling in the class (HDFS 1234) can find more information in their accounts.