UCI Public Health Alumni Chapter Board member Arielle Bautista (‘21) sought a career path that aligned with her mission to help people and found what she was looking for in public health. Through her undergraduate degree in public health science, Arielle experienced first-hand the significant impacts that public health can make in the lives of others.
“I think students, alumni, and faculty share such a special connection to UCI’s program in public health because the values and lessons we learn not only drive our professional careers, but also how we see and engage with the world around us. Being part of this like-minded, mission-driven community means so much to me, and I can’t wait to give back.”
– Ms. Ariella Bautista, Class of 2021
Arielle’s decision to volunteer with the alumni board was partly inspired by the connections she made with others during her time at UCI Public Health. As an undergraduate student, Arielle had the opportunity to work with Meredith Kwok, Director of Alumni Relations, as a student assistant. Through this experience, Arielle helped foster meaningful relationships between other alumni in the program, work that she realized could continue through volunteering with the Alumni Board.
Arielle reflects on memories of alumni happy hours and is excited to participate in intimate networking events. “I love the close, one on one conversations with fellow alumni with different backgrounds and talents. I especially enjoy hearing about how life has changed for them after graduating from UCI,” she said. Arielle hopes to serve the alumni board well by maintaining strong connections between the alumni and the wider UCI community, promoting opportunities and activities hosted by the alumni network, and overall, bringing awareness to the importance of public health.
If she could give one piece of advice to current students, it would be to “live in the present and focus on your passions. Don’t dwell on what life is going to be like after graduation. Enjoy where you are now!”
For more information about the UCI Public Health Alumni Chapter Board and its members, visit here.
