Commencement is coming up on Saturday, Dec. 14, and we’re highlighting some of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.

Read on to learn more about Emma Wilson of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, who is completing a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in health promotion and policy.

Favorite Quote:

Lately, I have been living by this quote from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?

Just as a doctor might treat one sick fish at a time, public health teaches us to step back and ask, “What’s happening upstream making all of the fish sick?” This is an analogy someone from CHS (specifically the MPH program) told me at a health fair nearly three years ago. Although I am not sure this fully answers the prompt, this is a key message I am taking with me. This growing interdisciplinary field, public health, gives me hope that by addressing systemic health challenges at the community level, we can create lasting change that ultimately trickles down and benefits individuals.

What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?

One of my favorite courses was P_HLTH 8260: Principles of Emergency Preparedness with Professor Minks. I found it incredibly reassuring to learn about the public health strategies for managing disasters, especially in a time when it often feels like so much is beyond our control. The course gave me confidence that there are well-established systems in place to safeguard our communities during crises.

Who helped you during your college journey?

I’d like to recognize Graham Greer, the MPH academic advisor, who was instrumental in helping me balance coursework while working full-time. Additionally, my colleagues Nichole Dawsey, Amy Gulick, and Stacie Zellin encouraged me to pursue and continue my education in public health. And of course, my family — and my cat — provided much-needed support!

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

My field placement was a great learning experience. It was great to be a part of a project that was unique to Mizzou. It was so rewarding and all of the people there were great to work with.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to continue my current role as a prevention educator and take the Certified Health Educator (CHES) exam in April. Ultimately, my aims in the public health field include substance misuse prevention program development, implementation, and evaluation.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Leadership doesn’t always come from grand gestures but from our small, often overlooked interactions with others. As future healthcare providers, public health leaders, and advocates, your impact might not always be seen in big headlines or monumental shifts in policy. However, your small, everyday decisions and actions can create lasting change.

Leadership happens in the quiet moments: when you reassure a patient who’s feeling scared, or when you help a community member understand their health in a way that empowers them. It’s the small acts of connection, education and empathy that can truly create health improvements.