Kate Parrish is a Speech Language and hearing sciences major at Mizzou and she is from Liberty, Missouri. Kate is a student in Mizzou Honors College and is planning on attending graduate school somewhere in the Midwest after graduation to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.

“My advice to incoming freshmen would be to join a club or organization in the first semester, even if it is outside of your comfort zone,” Kate says. “Getting involved is such a great way to make friends and make Mizzou start to feel like home.”

In addition to serving on the CHS Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Kate is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the National Student Speech, Language, Hearing Association. She also works at the Disability Center and volunteers at Russell Boulevard Elementary School.

What made you choose Mizzou?

I chose Mizzou for many reasons! I loved that it was only two hours away from home, I knew the School of Health Professions had excellent programs, everyone I knew who had gone here loved it, and I thought the campus was so beautiful!

How did you choose your major?

I chose my major because I was between nursing and teaching for a long time, but there were aspects of both professions that I didn’t know if I would love. I first heard about Speech-Language Pathology in high school when student ambassadors came and spoke to my high school. I immediately knew that it is what I wanted to do because it mixed the aspects I loved about both teaching and nursing!

What has been your favorite Mizzou memory?

My favorite Mizzou memory was when my entire family (my parents and three brothers) came and visited me in the fall. They were unable to visit me my freshman year because of COVID-19, so it was so special when they were finally able to come to visit me. It was also so amazing, because I am the first person in my family to come to Mizzou, so I got to show them all around!!

What is your favorite ice cream/coffee shop in CoMo?

My favorite ice cream shop in Columbia is Randy’s and my favorite coffee shop is Lakota!

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?

My favorite place to study on campus is the 3rd floor of Ellis!