With our commencement ceremonies set for Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, we’re taking a moment to highlight a few of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.

Read on to learn more about Addison Sircy of Cumming, Georgia, who is completing a Master of Social Work.

Favorite quote:

“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble. Find a way to make a way out of no way.”

–Rep. John Lewis

An interesting fact about you:

Squirrels are my favorite animal, and I hope to have one as a pet someday!

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

This will actually be my second time graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences! The first time was in 2023 when I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work, and now I am graduating with my Master of Social Work. Graduating from the College of Health Sciences this time means so much to me. It means I will officially be starting my future as a social worker. It means the work I have put in over the last two years as a master’s student has paid off, and I will get to celebrate that accomplishment with my fellow classmates and faculty. It means everything!

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

One of my favorite classes was Medical Social Work. I have been passionate about medical social work for seven years now, so having the chance to take a class centered around that topic was amazing. I got to learn the direct practice of medical and hospital social work, and that was really awesome.

What activities have you been involved in along the way?

I have been a part of a couple of activities that really paved the way for me. I was a student representative for the MSW Program Committee, and this was something I really enjoyed. I got to meet with faculty monthly to speak on behalf of my cohort and share insights from the students. This was a great learning experience and advocacy opportunity!

I’m also currently the clinic manager at the Integrative Behavioral Health Clinic. Though, this is more than an activity. The clinic is a student-run community mental health clinic operated by the School of Social Work providing free weekly therapy. I was a student clinician here, and now I am the clinic manager and get to work with student clinicians and clients! 

Who helped you during your college journey?

I had so much help and guidance during my college journey. There are three people that stand out the most to me, and those three people are Danielle Easter, Kelli Canada and Kadie Atterberry. Danielle and Kelli are the Integrative Behavioral Health Clinic directors, and they were also my professors. I got to learn from them as a student, and I got to learn from them as a colleague. Kadie is my supervisor at my MSW practicum at the University Hospital Emergency Department. All three of these women have believed in me, encouraged me and pushed me to be the best student, professional and social worker I can be. I look up to all three of them, and I owe much of my MSW experience to them.

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

I have been lucky enough to spend six years at Mizzou. My favorite memories are the people. My friends, my classmates and my professors. I look back on the opportunities I have been given and the people I have met, and I am so grateful for Mizzou. I will always cherish my time here.

What are your plans after graduation?

I recently accepted a job as a licensed master social worker at Missouri Psychiatric Center, a short-term inpatient treatment center for adults, adolescents and children. I have also passed my provisional licensure exam for my MSW, so now I will spend the next two years completing weekly supervision so I can work to become a licensed clinical social worker. This will continue to grow my scope of practice and allow me to help an even larger population of people!

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Work hard, even on days you are tired, and it feels like you are never going to reach the finish line. It can be exhausting, but it is so worth it. Remind yourself why you chose your program, and know the initial passion and excitement you felt as a freshman is still inside of you! Soak in every second you can — it really flies by. M-I-Z!