When Julianna Mendoza joined the Health Sciences Scholars Program, she was seeking guidance — support with grad school applications, insight into occupational therapy and a clearer sense of direction. What she found was even more valuable: a community of mentors, peers and professionals who helped shape her journey.

“This program exceeded my expectations,” Mendoza said. “I met incredible mentors like Crystal Gately, Emily and Lexi, who helped me feel more confident about applying to grad school. And beyond that, I formed friendships. The connections I’ve made are the most valuable part of this program.”

Mendoza’s experience mirrors that of the 26 students who participated in this year’s Health Sciences Scholars Program. Each scholar was paired with a faculty member or graduate/alumni mentor for individualized support. Over the course of the year, students attended four seminar-style meet-and-greets focused on topics such as graduate school admissions, GRE prep, interview skills and securing strong letters of recommendation. They also participated in a speed-networking event and a panel on professionalism in health care, which highlighted clinical and nonclinical career paths.

Tracy Jiang, a pre-physical therapy scholar, said the program boosted her confidence.

“It has helped me immensely with confidence and networking,” Jiang said.

Katrina Liffring, a pre-clinical laboratory sciences scholar, agreed.

“It exceeded in networking, and the mentorship was the most valuable part,” she said.

In addition to workshops and mentorship, students also connected with the Mizzou Tiger Tutor Center for discipline-specific tutoring. For Mendoza, this was an unexpected but essential resource.

“I never would have gone to the tutoring center if I hadn’t been encouraged to do so,” she said. “Now I see how valuable it is.”

Beyond professional development, the Health Sciences Scholars Program offers participants lasting connections — between students and mentors, between peers with shared ambitions, and among individuals who will go on to shape the future of health care.