Tell us about what excites you for the future.
Not even two weeks ago, I was nervous and scared about what my future entailed after graduation. I am excited to share that I have joined Joel Milam, PhD’s lab as a junior project specialist. I’m able to apply my knowledge during my undergraduate career and work with cancer survivors towards our research goals. My roles would be to administer surveys and study material to patients, mailing and coding. This research experience will help me develop my skills as I plan to pursue a masters in public health and maybe even a doctoral degree.
Who inspires you?
It was my dream to be the first in my family to go to college – let alone pursue a career in healthcare. Throughout college, I struggled with imposter syndrome since I couldn’t lean on advice and knowledge about academics from family. So, I actually pulled strength from my peers and friends. Not just their passion and drive that inspired me to be like them but also their kindness and warmth to me as I navigated a new experience transferring to a university from community college.
Why did you choose your major/minor?
It was my goal to work in the healthcare field as a practitioner but after a few classes on the brain, I found a new curiosity in psychology and shifted my career goal. Then in my third year, I took a public health course and realized it brought both worlds together for me by conducting health related research that impacts the community at a larger scale. In hindsight, I wish I could have pursued a major in public health policy or science but since I was so close to graduation the best alternative was to get a minor in public health. My major in psychology with a minor in public health also showcases how broad and applicable public health can be.
What is your message to current and/or prospective UCI students?
As a transfer student, my best advice to prospective UCI students is that it is okay to be undecided for your major. My academic journey started as a biology major to become a physician assistant, to psychology with a minor in public health, to practicing public health research with plans to pursue graduate studies. This journey is testament enough that it is okay to explore possibilities and give yourself the time to discover what your passions are.
Take each interest and give it due diligence by taking introductory courses. If you are interested in public health, it is especially important to get involved with hands-on experience to understand the field better. Join a research lab to be part of a study that is changing communities’ lives, volunteer at a health fair to disseminate important information, and even get involved with public health students groups to learn about more opportunities.
