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 JoyNoel Stefanos of Kansas City, Missouri, who is completing a Bachelor of Health Science in Public Health.

Favorite Quote:

“The resurrection shows that the present bodily life is not valueless just because it will die. What you do in the present—by singing, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving your neighbor as yourself—will last into God’s future. These activities are not simply to make the present life a little more bearable until the day we leave it behind. They are part of building for God’s kingdom.”

–Paraphrase, N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church

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

Graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences means a lot to me. Achieving this milestone makes me feel proud, especially considering all the effort I’ve put in. The remote learning track enriched my experience, offering opportunities to engage with diverse cultural backgrounds and giving me flexibility — opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I stayed on campus.

What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track, and how did it shape your experiences as a remote learner?

My favorite class was Health Science 3900W: Introduction to the Research Process and Evidence Base. It equipped me with skills for research, intervention and program development while allowing me to explore a topic I deeply care about: how legal status affects immigrant women’s experiences of domestic violence and health in the U.S. I learned the importance of building trust with people and was reminded to focus on understanding their perspective on what they need — not jumping to solutions based solely on what an investigator thinks is best.

What unique challenges and opportunities did being a remote learner bring to your college journey?

Remote learning allowed me to live in Egypt, an experience I’ve always wanted. Living in a rural village brought challenges like unreliable Wi-Fi, power cuts and communication barriers. It also offered the unique perspective of being a minority while living in Coptic Christian communities in a predominantly Muslim country. These experiences taught me patience, resilience and effective communication, enhancing the skills I bring to my roles as communications manager for RK Contractors and the nonprofit Mercy in the City, which both serve immigrants and refugees in Kansas City.

Who helped you during your college journey?

Throughout my time as a student, I’ve been lucky to have an amazing support system. My academic advisor, Sarah, was invaluable when I wanted to make changes to my course track. She listens attentively, knows me well and goes above and beyond to share professional opportunities.

Of course, my family and friends were my constant supporters, offering emotional and practical help — especially with my tendency to want to try everything at once. They were basically my personal ground control, keeping me from crash-landing into a major called “A Little Bit of Everything.”

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou as a remote learner?

What stands out from my time at Mizzou is how living in Egypt deepened my understanding of public health. I saw firsthand where public health needs were most urgent, how Western methods didn’t always apply and how some aspects of Egyptian life are healthier than in the U.S. Studying public health in this context helped me appreciate the culture in ways I couldn’t have if I’d stayed on campus. Ultimately, living abroad gave me fulfillment that I wouldn’t have found by staying near campus.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to expand my freelance LLC in communications and continue working in public health, particularly in rural Egypt. My remote learning experience taught me critical skills like time management, self-organization and adaptability. These skills have boosted my confidence in independent work and prepared me for future ventures. My lessons have shaped how I see my role in Egypt, where the goal isn’t to “help” people but to empower them to create lasting change for themselves. I plan to develop a mental health program for women in rural Egypt, partnering with NGOs in the Beni Suef region, where I have lived for the past two years.

What advice do you have for current and future students, especially those pursuing online degrees?

Moving to a foreign country without a community was challenging and showed me how valuable community really is. We’re often encouraged to work independently, but I quickly learned that this path leads to burnout and frustration. From new friendships to meeting my husband, I discovered the importance of surrounding myself with people who foster growth and mutual support. Alone, we have only one perspective to guide our work and a single source of energy to draw from.

In the challenging format of remote learning, especially in the field of health, this can limit our impact and lead to burnout. While we may sometimes feel that we must carry the weight of our ambitions alone, our strength often comes from connection with others — those who challenge our thinking and renew our energy. If you’re working alone, try to connect with someone in person at least once a week, gradually increasing to three times a week. This practice boosts mental health, happiness and energy, making you feel more like yourself than when isolated.

Anything else you’d like to share about your journey as a remote learner?

Find your community, create your goals, and make remote learning an asset! Remote learning offers flexibility, especially in health sciences. I’ve learned that meaningful connections are more valuable than having all the answers. Often, we focus so much on being right that we overlook the person in front of us and, sometimes, ourselves. When we prioritize understanding and connection over perfection, we can empower others and find deeper meaning in our work.