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2021 Health Professions Graduates

May 18, 2021


May 18, 2021

Commencement may be over with, but we’re still celebrating our graduates! The Class of 2021 worked so hard, and we know they’re ready for their next steps. We asked six Health Professions graduates to reflect on what their time at Mizzou has meant to them. 

Jovan AmosJōvan Amos
Master of Occupational Therapy

Hometown: Chicago

What was your favorite aspect of the Mizzou occupational therapy program?

My favorite thing about the MU OT program was the community presence and relationships they’ve established over many years, which afforded us students the opportunity to do coursework and training within the community. A few of my peers and I completed a yearlong internship at Service for Independent Living (SIL) as OT access service interns. We were able to empower community members with disabilities through outreach and services to maximize their independence through the use of assistive technology and durable medical equipment. 

What advice do you have for current Mizzou OT students?

I would encourage current OT students to get involved and immersed as much as possible into the community, programs and clubs/organizations. Another layer to one’s education goes beyond the classroom, such as volunteering, networking, and rapport-building with peers and colleagues. It makes a massive difference in an individual’s performance and provides a sense of togetherness within a cohort. In addition, it makes for great memories. 

 

Hannah BarryHannah Barry
BHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

What was your favorite Health Professions class?
My favorite Health Professions class was specific to my major. Neurophysiology was one of the first classes I took as part of the undergraduate route in SLHS. I was nervous to take the course, as I heard it was quite difficult. I found myself intrigued during every class. It was fascinating to learn about the brain, from the smallest part, the neuron, to the larger areas, specific to language or cognition. This course was central to an understanding of speech and language, and I hope to take what I learned with me to graduate school and beyond!
 
What did you learn outside the classroom? 

One of the biggest things I learned outside the classroom was the importance of being a team player. I’ve found myself in several team settings, working as a TA with two others, participating in Mizzou Alternative Breaks, serving on my sorority’s executive board, and more. I learned how to communicate my needs, to embrace collaboration, to stay flexible and reliable and to always be ready to help. I will always remember my time in these organizations, and while there was always work to do, camaraderie was a strong force that allowed us to enjoy it!

 

Bea CorunaBea Coruna
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Hometown: Sedalia, Missouri

What will you miss most about Mizzou? 

I think it will be hard not to miss the little things at Mizzou like the late nights at Ellis, laughing with friends at 1 a.m. during all-nighters, or walking by the columns in the spring. But I think what I’ll miss the most is the ability to see my friends every day, just studying or going to class.

What do you love about Mizzou Physical Therapy?

What makes Mizzou PT so special is the opportunity to not only grow as clinicians but the opportunity to give back to our community. Each semester we spend time treating patients in our pro bono clinic as well as volunteer in numerous events. My favorite events were “build days” for SWITCHED, an organization that adapts toys to make them more accessible for children with varying disabilities, and Sundays spent with Adapted Gymnastics.

I wouldn’t be able to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy if it weren’t for the professors at Mizzou who not only pushed me to work harder but also believed in me during every step of the journey. I am so incredibly thankful for their kind support and for the opportunity to create meaningful memories at Mizzou over the last few years.
 
 

Daniel EsparzaDaniel Esparza
BHS in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (Radiography)

What did you like best about Mizzou’s Radiography program?
The faculty are the best, and they each have different strengths that they bring to their teaching. For example, Mary Sebacher taught us how to adjust our techniques and equipment for each patient. New machines with more advanced technology can do that for us, but it’s still important for us to know how to not rely on that. I’ve heard comments from clinical instructors that Mizzou students have a better understanding of those differences. Also, the University Hospital has a Level I trauma center that we get to work in, which is a huge advantage that not all other programs have, and you can see if you like working in that type of environment.

What’s next for you?
I already have a full-time job at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri. I actually started a couple of weeks ago. It’s nice to actually start doing it and get paid for it. I’ve been trying to finish school for what feels like a long time now, all while commuting from the lake each day, trying to study with my kids in the house and working a part time job on the side at times. So with graduating, a significant amount is coming off my plate, and it’s a relief. I’m proud that I’m finished and finished well.

 

Cameron Reitan

Cameron Reitan
BHS in Public Health

Tell me a little bit about your career aspirations after graduation. What’s next for you?

After graduation, I will hopefully be staying at Mizzou for another two years for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. I want to specialize my studies with the Global Health certificate that the MPH program offers. I have always wanted to work internationally, and I also hope to join the Peace Corps after these next two years.

Were you in any clubs or organizations during your time here? What was that like?

During the first semester of freshman year, I joined the Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee Team. I had never played frisbee before and had barely ever even picked up a disc. I am now one of the three team captains. This team has been a vital part of my college years, giving me friendship and sportsmanship. I am excited to keep playing for the next two years.

 

Molly TennantMolly Tennant
Bachelor of Social Work

Hometown: Independence, Missouri

How did Mizzou’s social work program adequately prepare you for a career in the field? 

The social work program absolutely prepared me for my future career in the field. The dedication of the social work professors to instill the key skills and knowledge necessary to succeed is unmatched. I could sing praises for the social work professors all day long, they deserve the world for what they do. The various group projects, research assignments and general coursework was very clearly well thought out and designed to prepare students for what real life work is really going to be like. The practicum placement is met with the same approach and is such a crucial final step to have real experience as a social worker.

What’s next for you? 

I have been accepted into the Master of Social Work program at Mizzou (online) and begin this fall. I will be pursuing a career in the mental health field and am passionate about working with clients through a trauma-informed care approach.