Sydney Stokes is a Health Science major, pre-professional from Quincy, Illinois. She plans to go to either medical school or PA school after graduation.

“I choose Mizzou because of the endless opportunities this university provides,” she says. “From clubs to ambassador programs such as this, I know I would be pushed to my full potential. The University of Missouri truly makes it so every student can be involved as much as possible, influencing your overall success in the department of your choice.”

In addition to being a school of health science ambassador, Sydney is involved in Greek Life here on campus as a Gamma Phi Beta. Through Greek life, she volunteers in many organizations such as cleaning parks around the community and serving at the local food bank. She is interested in involvement in undergraduate research and loves to go to coffee shops in her free time.

What made you choose Mizzou?

I chose Mizzou because of the endless opportunities this university provides. From clubs to
ambassador programs such as this, I know I would be pushed to my full potential. The University of Missouri truly makes it so every student can be involved as much as possible, influencing your overall success in the department of your choice.

What’s your favorite Mizzou club/organization?

My favorite Mizzou organization so far is the Pre-Med OPP Advising Program. This program guides pre-medical students in a great direction while making sure we are staying on track to reach our goals.

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen it would be to prepare to change your learning techniques. College is such a different way of learning and you must give yourself room for mistakes to learn from them. It takes time to figure out the learning technique that works for you at university!

If you could have dinner with one famous Mizzou graduate, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with one Mizzou graduate (well, almost) it would be Brad Pitt. I grew up watching him in films and would love to know how his time at Mizzou shaped his career now.

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

My favorite coffee show in CoMo is Three Story Coffee. It was different levels where you can study, socialize, or just take time for yourself. The aesthetic is so calming and perfect for stressed college students.