Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu
Dec. 15, 2025
Photos courtesy of India Reed
When India Reed’s father became terminally ill, she spent countless hours at his bedside, watching nurses move with steady skill, compassion and composure as they cared for him around the clock. Their tenderness toward him — and the way they supported her family — left a lasting impression on 17-year-old Reed, sparking her desire to one day do the same for others.
“I knew I wanted to be that kind of nurse for other patients and families facing their hardest moments,” she said.
For Reed, there was only one school with the renowned nursing program she hoped to join: the University of Missouri.
“I wanted a program that would truly prepare me to be the best nurse I can be, one that would challenge me, support me and offer rich clinical experiences,” she said. “Mizzou not only met those expectations but exceeded them. I wanted to learn in an environment that pushed me to grow while still surrounding me with people who genuinely cared about my success.”
On Saturday, Reed will graduate from Mizzou’s Sinclair School of Nursing poised to move on to the next chapter of her journey as an operating room nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis.
“Thanks to my Mizzou clinical experiences, I was able to explore the operating room and discover a passion I didn’t expect,” she said, adding that some cautioned her about the difficulty of the competitive program. “But I trusted myself, pushed through the doubt and made it. Knowing I’m now close to calling myself a Sinclair School of Nursing graduate is an amazing feeling.
The sheer range of hands-on experiences at Mizzou — from clinical rotations to specialty immersions — and faculty who taught her to adapt quickly, communicate effectively and work with different populations prepared her for the challenges she’ll face as a nurse.
“These experiences helped me identify what I value in a workplace and what type of nursing aligns with my skills and passions,” she said. “The variety of clinical environments strengthened my confidence and prepared me to step into the field ready to give safe, compassionate and competent care.”
Read on for a Q&A with Reed about her Mizzou experience.
Who at Mizzou played an instrumental role in your college experience?
Meeting Christyl Barnes, an assistant teaching professor in Mizzou’s Sinclair School of Nursing, during Summer Welcome changed everything for me. Her honesty and encouragement made me feel seen. When I later met with her to share my fears about applying to the nursing program, she looked at me and said, “Why not you?” — a question that completely shifted my mindset. Throughout my time in the program, she continued to support me, offering guidance and creating a sense of belonging, even when she wasn’t my instructor. Christyl taught me to believe in myself, embrace growth and never settle for less than my best.
Was there an obstacle you had to overcome as a student, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to the rigor of the nursing curriculum. There are moments when you can give your absolute best and still feel like it isn’t enough. I learned to be persistent, seek feedback and apply the guidance I received. That shift helped me grow academically and personally. Another challenge was being in spaces where very few people looked like me. It took a while to find my footing. I overcame that by rewriting the narrative, mentoring and supporting other students who look like me, helping create the representation I wished I had when I first entered the program.
What were you involved in while at Mizzou?
I have been involved in more than 10 organizations during my time at Mizzou and held several meaningful leadership positions. I had the honor of serving as president and financial secretary of the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where I learned to lead with intention and represent my community. I also served as the vice president of programming for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, coordinating initiatives that strengthened connections within both the fraternity/sorority and Black communities.
Beyond organizational leadership, I served as the class representative for my cohort through the Nursing Student Council, advocating for my classmates and strengthening communication within our program. I also mentored pre-nursing students, guiding those who came after me through the same path I once navigated myself.
I helped recognize outstanding faculty through my role on the Betty Crim Faculty Award selection committee and expanded my research experience as an Essig Fellow, presenting my prostate cancer project at the 2023 Fall Health Science Research Day, an opportunity that strengthened my passion for evidence-based practice.
Finally, one of the highlights of my college journey was being named a Mizzou ’39 recipient, an honor that reflected my dedication, leadership and service throughout my years at the university.
Looking back, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a strength. I used to wait until the last minute because I thought struggling alone made me resilient. In reality, it only held me back. Once I learned to use my resources, I became a stronger student and a more confident person. I also learned the importance of embracing change. I came to Mizzou hesitant to leave my comfort zone, but nursing school and leadership roles showed me that growth happens in unfamiliar spaces. Being flexible, open-minded and willing to try new things have been essential to my success.
What advice would you give incoming Mizzou students?
Be confident in who you are and trust your abilities. College isn’t easy, so give yourself grace, but also push yourself to rise to the challenge. Don’t limit yourself, but rather explore opportunities, try new things that scare you a little and believe that you belong here. Remember that setbacks aren’t failures; they’re redirection toward something meant for you. Make this experience one you are proud of.
