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

Read on to learn more about Hailey Moore of Monticello, Illinois, who is completing a Bachelor of Health Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Favorite quote:

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

An interesting fact about you:

My favorite food is sushi!

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

Graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences means growth. I have learned so many important lessons throughout coursework, but I’ve grown just as much through experiences, challenges, and people I’ve met during the past several years.

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

One of my favorite classes was SLHS 4020W: Language Disorders in Children, taught by Professor Willard. It brought together ideas from several other courses, and I loved applying the skills I had learned in those classes to this one.

What activities have you been involved in along the way?

I have been involved in several activities at Mizzou! I’ve enjoyed participating in the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA), the MU Health Care Auxiliary team, Jumpstart, and the Robert G. Combs Language Preschool. However, my favorite involvement has been working as a research assistant. I currently work in the Early Language and Literacy Lab under Dr. Beth Kelley, where I contribute to a project focused on vocabulary measurement. I was grateful to present a poster from this lab at the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference and during Show Me Research Week at Mizzou. Additionally, I work in the MU Math Study in the Department of Psychological Sciences, under primary investigator Dr. David C. Geary and lab manager Lara Nugent. I presented a poster from the lab, along with other undergraduate students, about predicting children’s math abilities!

Who helped you during your college journey?

I have been surrounded by amazing family members and mentors! I’m especially grateful for my dad, brother and partner, who have always been there for me. I’m thankful for professors in the SLHS department who have challenged me to think differently, encouraged my curiosity, and reminded me why I care so much about this field.

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

My time at Mizzou has been full of many memories. I’ve enjoyed exploring the food scene in Columbia, meeting new people, taking my dogs on walks on the trails and attending Mizzou sporting events. COMO always has something new to try!

What are your plans after graduation?

In the fall, I plan to attend The Ohio State University to pursue a PhD in Literacies, Literature and Learning. There, I will work in the Early Literacy and Learning Lab under the supervision of Dr. Shayne Piasta. I am very excited to begin this next chapter!

What advice do you have for current and future students?

My biggest piece of advice would be to get comfortable being uncomfortable. There are so many opportunities that seem intimidating at first, whether it’s interviewing for a position or introducing yourself to someone new. However, these opportunities can be very rewarding and even pivotal in shaping your career path.