Story by Logan Jackson
Growing up just two hours from Columbia, Anneliese Nguyen was plenty familiar with the University of Missouri. Nguyen’s mother is a Mizzou alumna, and their family made the trek west every so often for Tiger football games, band competitions or choir festivals.
As Nguyen was exploring her college options, Mizzou was toward the top of her list. Having the opportunity to sit in on an Honors College course made the university her top choice, and receiving the Stamps Scholarship made it the only choice.
“The entire Stamps Scholarship interview weekend was incredible, but the chance to be part of an Honors class was single-handedly the most important piece for me,” said Nguyen, who is from St. Louis, Missouri. “That’s when I decided I was coming to Mizzou no matter what. This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m ready for the next challenge.”
Semifinalists for the Stamps Scholarship are invited to campus for a weekend to interview for the award, meet current Stamps Scholars, participate in an in-depth campus tour and interact with Mizzou leadership.
Nguyen is one of eight Stamps Scholars beginning their college journeys this fall at Mizzou.
“When I got the call about the scholarship, I was so excited I danced around the house,” Nguyen said. “I told my parents, and they were ecstatic, of course. It was a defining moment for me. It was truly incredible.”
Mizzou Stamps Scholars have a variety of unique opportunities, including a dedicated mentor, opportunities to connect with campus leadership, alumni networking, funding for study abroad and connections with other students in a larger Stamps Scholarship network. Scholars also participate in research early on in their college journey and are enrolled in the Honors College for all four years, working toward the completion of the Honors Certificate.
Nguyen plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry and will be on the pre-medicine track. She’s also considering adding a history major.
“I chose biochemistry because it’s going to give me such a strong foundation,” Nguyen said. “I’m hoping to pursue healthcare, and I would love to eventually go to graduate school. This degree program will set me up nicely for both options.”
Nguyen’s interest in science grew throughout high school. She was part of her school’s Science Olympiad team and was involved in HOSA – Future Health Professionals. She said both experiences solidified her desire to pursue science.
Now, research will give Nguyen an opportunity to take that interest a step further.
“Participating in one of Mizzou’s stellar research laboratories is going to be one of the most rewarding parts of this scholarship,” Nguyen said. “There is so much to explore, within my area of interest and even outside of it. I’m really excited to jump into that world and gain valuable experience with those processes.”
Outside the classroom, Nguyen also hopes to continue dancing at Mizzou. She also worked with the Asian American community in St. Louis through the Asian American Civics Scholars (AACS) and is hopeful to find a similar community in Columbia.
“I’m a dancer, and it’s a big part of who I am,” Nguyen said. “I’ve been choreographing and teaching a lot of dance this summer, and I’m hoping to get involved however I can. I know there is at least a class I’ll take, and I’m hoping to maybe audition for a musical. There are endless possibilities at Mizzou. I’m hoping to get involved however I can.”