Samantha Tankersley is a Health Sciences major with an emphasis in health and wellness services, from Webb City, Missouri. Next year, she will start Mizzou’s OTD program.

Samantha’s advice for new students is to go to office hours.

“Office hours can be intimidating at first,” she says. “But office hours are a great way to receive extra help from professors and teaching assistants. They are also a great way to network and make connections, which can be useful when you need a letter of recommendation.”

In addition to serving on the School of Health Professions Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Samantha is a member of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Association and Sigma Eta Rho. She also volunteers with the SWIM program on campus, where she helps teach swim lessons to children with autism.

What should make students choose Mizzou?

Students should choose Mizzou because, even though it is a large campus, Mizzou has a way of making every student feel like they are a part of something.

What residence hall did you live in? Were you in a FIG (freshmen interest group)?

I lived in Bluford, and I was part of a health sciences FIG.

What’s your favorite Mizzou club/organization?

My favorite Mizzou organization would be the Pre-Occupational Therapy Association because I get to meet other potential occupational therapy students.

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?

My favorite place to study is the student center because there is a lot of sunlight from the large windows and there are some dining options for when you need a study break.

What is your favorite ice cream/coffee shop in CoMo?

My favorite ice cream shop in CoMo would be Sparky’s.