Student Profiles

Stephanie Sander

Hometown:
St. Louis, Missouri

Major:
BA in Music

Year in school:
Senior

Disability:
Bipolar

What are your future endeavors?

After I graduate, I will be working in Switzerland for a year.  Then I plan on moving to New York City and auditioning for productions.

What are your hobbies?

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the Berg with my choir friends.

What has been your greatest challenge while at MU?

Last semester I took 21 hours.  I had to be extremely efficient with my time, and the hardest thing was learning to say no to extracurricular activities.

What would you like people to know about your disability?

Our society has a negative social stigma about people with mental illnesses.  I would like to let people know that it is attainable to lead a normal, healthy and happy lifestyle while having this disorder.

What would you tell a student who has a disability like yours?

Balance, Balance, Balance.  Eat well, get plenty of sleep and find positive ways to express yourself.

What advice would you give to a new student at MU?

Get involved in activities that you are passionate about.  Don’t be afraid to stretch your comfort zone, meet new people, and experience new things!

In what way did the Office of Disability Services make a difference in your education?

The people who work in the ODS center have been extremely helpful to me every time I’ve gone in with a question or concern about my classes and accommodations.  The services they offer have helped me immensely in my time here at MU, and I would encourage any student dealing with any kind of disability or illness to go in and talk with them.