Email Saloni to learn more about her pre-occupational therapy path, campus involvement, health science courses, and more!

Get to know Saloni:

Why did you choose Health Science at Mizzou?

I chose to go into occupational therapy because it allows me to help people regain the independence they need to do the activities they love. What really drew me to OT is how individualized it is—there are so many different specialties and ways to tailor your work to what interests you most. Being at Mizzou has reinforced that passion even more. The College of Health Sciences offers so many opportunities to explore different areas of OT, get connected with faculty who truly care, and learn from real experiences that prepare you for graduate school and beyond. Mizzou has given me a strong foundation and a supportive community as I work toward becoming an occupational therapist.

What are you involved in on campus?

As a Mizzou student, I have been a part of SWIM OT, Pre-Occupational Therapy Association, Global Brigades, College Mentors for Kids, Caring for Columbia, and the College of Health Sciences Ambassadors Team. Throughout these experiences, my favorite part has been the strong sense of community. Everyone brings their passions and creativity, which creates such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Tell us more about how you’ve gotten hands-on experience!

One of my favorite hands-on experiences has been being part of Global Brigades. I had the opportunity to help individuals in an underserved community access the healthcare they need. Working alongside other students and local doctors, I helped provide patient care, teach basic health and safety practices, and offer overall support to the community. It was incredibly eye-opening to see healthcare from the perspective of another country and to understand just how important access to quality care really is. This experience strengthened my passion for supporting communities and broadened my understanding of what healthcare can look like in different parts of the world.