Published on Nov. 20, 2025

By: Kampbell Hemeyer

Eliza Pierce, a senior majoring in middle school education with an emphasis in English language arts from Jefferson City, Missouri, found a second home at Mizzou just 30 minutes away. Once she arrived, her involvement both in and out of the classroom showed her that she could make this experience her own. 
 
Pierce chose Mizzou after taking her first tour where she “fell in love” with campus. Originally facing a decision between here and another college, her in-person visit solidified her choice. To Pierce, Mizzou felt like home. 
 
Despite her initial nervousness about getting involved, Pierce gravitated towards the Women’s Center her freshman year. Attending their Coffee Tuesdays, a free event every second Tuesday where coffee, tea and treats are provided by the center and helped her acclimate to campus life. Once she was, she dove right in.  
 
Pierce became a tour guide, admissions employee and served as President of Little Sisters of the Gold Rose. She also became an ambassador for the College of Education and Human Development and a member of their student council where she will serve as President for the 2025-26 academic year.  
 
Pierce graduates in Spring 2026 with the goal of becoming a middle school English teacher. As she prepares to close out her 4-year Mizzou journey, she offers this advice to prospective students in the area: “Never listen to the people who say ‘you’re just going to Mizzou.’ You have to get out of your head,” she said. “It’s your school. Make it your own and be proud of it.”