Published on Dec. 2, 2025
By: Alivia Roach
In the first week of classes, junior Purity Kagiri already knew the reactions she’d get when introducing herself. At 23, some might expect her to have already graduated and started a career. But the confused looks don’t faze her anymore –– she knows how far she’s come and what it took to get here.
After graduating from Rock Bridge High School at 17, Kagiri wanted to be anywhere but Columbia. She ventured out to Missouri Southern State University for a year but quickly realized being away from home wasn’t a good fit for her.
She returned and earned her EMT license through the Boone County Fire District, working nonstop for two years and gaining invaluable experience. Afterward, she wanted something more. Although she hadn’t originally considered Mizzou, its public health program soon won her over.
“I would have never thought that I’d end up at Mizzou, but I’ve come to really like it,” Kagiri said. “There are so many people here to help you get where you want to go.”
One of the first resources she connected with was TRiO, which specializes in supporting first-generation students, those with a documented disability, and/or individuals with demonstrated financial need. TRiO staff not only helped her build her first semester schedule but also discussed real-world topics such as Roth IRA’s and budgeting.
Kagiri explained that TRiO also offers academic trips. The first was to North Carolina, where the group visited graduate schools to encourage students to pursue an advanced degree–with support of both Mizzou and TRiO.
“It made grad school seem less daunting,” Kagiri said. “I had never considered it an option until I came to Mizzou and joined TRiO. I’m really thankful for that–it made everything seem more achievable.”
After the trip, Kagiri discovered a hidden desire for adventure. But paying for study abroad herself meant she’d need funding to explore the world. She applied for several opportunities including the competitive, federally funded Gilman Scholarship–and won.
With this funding, Mizzou Study Abroad sent her to South Korea, where she attended Korea University and immersed herself in the culture.
From studying in her favorite, pink-themed cafe to attending K-pop festivals, Kagiri made the most of her time abroad.
“I got to do so many things there that added to me as a person,” she said. “If you ever have the opportunity to study abroad, do it. The experiences and the amount of fun you’ll have is unmatched.”
During her time abroad, Kagiri said the support of her mom and friends made all the difference. “I would not have felt as ready or as comfortable as I did without them,” she said. Her friends at home, Korean friends she met at Mizzou while they were exchange students, and her mom –– who called her daily for photo updates –– kept her grounded. She formed close bonds with two classmates in Korea, Quynh and Bao Nghi, whose late-night karaoke runs, and pork belly dinners made the trip unforgettable.
Ready to see where Mizzou can take you? Learn how you can explore the world through programs like TRiO and Mizzou Study Abroad–and start building your own success story today.