Story by Kaiya Lynch
Photo courtesy of Mira Sabapathy
Mira Sabapathy was no stranger to the University of Missouri growing up. The daughter of Mizzou alumni, she arrived on campus as a freshman already familiar with its history, culture and traditions.
“Once I was accepted into the Cornell Leadership Program, I knew I would go to Mizzou,” Sabapathy said. “It certainly helped having parents who attended the university, so I already felt comfortable.”
The Cornell Leadership Program offers leadership development for students who have achieved high levels of success. Sabapathy appreciated that the program allowed her to develop leadership skills and interact with a variety of businesses.
“Through the Cornell Leadership Program, I also got to travel,” Sabapathy said. “It was incredible to gain exposure to real-world business activities first-hand in their environment. I learned the profound importance of asking a good question, and how to craft it.”
Sabapathy, who will graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy through the Trulaske College of Business Integrated BSAcc/MAcc program, has built an academic career defined by intentional choices, intellectual curiosity and a desire to help others. She saw the Honors College as a way to create a smaller, tight-knit academic environment within a large university.
“I chose the Honors College to make a big university feel small, to be with a group of like-minded individuals who strongly cared for academics and learning,” Sabapathy said.
Sabapathy’s academic dedication is reflected in her achievements, including consistent placement on the Dean’s List and receiving the KPMG Masters in Data Analytics (MADA) Scholarship. Her coursework has included several business-focused classes, but she mentions her first Honors course — Epic Destinies, Individual Journeys — as a standout for the impact it had on her intellectual development.
“This class taught me so much about Greek history and literature,” she noted, adding that it set the tone for the rest of her Honors experience.
Beyond the classroom, Sabapathy embraced opportunities that enriched her global and cultural understanding. In summer 2023, she studied abroad in Alicante, Spain — an experience that complemented both her minor in Spanish and her broader academic path. She also values the Honors College for introducing her to students outside of her discipline.
“Honors classes have opened me up to new experiences and students who I would not have known if I wasn’t in this program,” Sabapathy said.
As a tutor in accounting, Spanish and finance at the Learning Center, Sabapathy has found fulfillment in helping other students gain confidence.
“I love seeing when a student grasps a difficult concept and seeing their confidence in themselves rise during appointments,” she explained.
Her professional development also includes audit internships with KPMG US and Corbion, where she gained hands-on experience with the audit process and internal controls.
“Mizzou significantly helped me prepare for these roles by exposing me to a variety of data analytics tools to help me stand out,” Sabapathy said.
Looking ahead, Sabapathy plans to take the CPA exam after graduation and begin a full-time role with KPMG in Chicago. She credits the Honors College with broadening her interests and giving her the confidence to explore subjects outside her major. Her advice to future Honors students reflects that philosophy.
“Take Honors classes that don’t relate to your major,” Sabapathy said. “Take a class on something you have always wanted to learn more about.”