I have always been interested and passionate about helping people, but I was drawn to fostering more personal connections than typical Western medicine would allow. Therefore, when I learn about Global Public Health, I was immediately drawn to a more personable and community focused approach to health. However, I entered Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ as a Biochemistry student, a major that did not fit my passions. Therefore, when I learned about the commencement of the GPH program, I was thrilled to be able to join a major that better suited my passions. Choosing GPH was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It allowed me to gain mentorship from amazing professors, such as Dr. Okoror, graduate with a bachelor’s degree in only 2 years, and help found our student association. Additionally, this program reignited my passion for learning and allowed me to continue my studies at one of the most prestigious programs worldwide, the University of Edinburgh’s MPH.
I am the Co-President of the GPHSA, and last year I was the Events Coordinator. I chose to be involved with the GPHSA because I am passionate about public health, and wanted to work with a group of peers to create positive health outcomes in the campus and local communities, as well as bring awareness to public health as a whole!
Abigail Francey
Why I Chose the GPH Major:
I serve as a Senior Advisor. I chose to major in Global Public Health because I’ve
always had a strong interest in health and wanted a path that would allow me to make
a meaningful impact in people’s lives. While exploring different programs at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ
University, I was lucky to stumble upon the GPH major. I was drawn to it because of
its humanitarian approach and global focus. I plan to pursue a master’s in Public
Health and work in health administration, and this major has helped me develop the
knowledge and perspective needed to move in that direction.
Why I Are Involved with the GPHSA:
I became involved with GPHSA because I wanted to connect more deeply with the major
and be a part of a community that shares my interests. Joining the club has been very
rewarding; it has given me the chance to learn more about the many pathways within
public health, build relationships with like-minded peers, and contribute to events
and initiatives that support student growth. As a Senior Advisor, I hope to help other
students navigate the major and discover the many opportunities available to them
in the field.
Alyssa DeJesus
Why I Chose the GPH Major:
I am the Vice President of GPHSA. I chose the GPH major to pair with my PPL major
to pursue a career in health law. I want to advocate for healthcare policies that
benefit people and increase access to care. More importantly I want to be in a position
where I can help to ensure that everyone is getting the same level of adequate care
regardless of race, gender, sexuality, etc.
I am involved with GPHSA because I wanted to help build a club from the ground up that supported the community and the school in connecting through informing and advocating for health. I also enjoyed being around peers who had the same views and passions as myself. As well as those who are pursuing different careers and hearing about health issues in their perspective to continue learning and growing.
Abeera Chaudhry
I am part of the Global Public Health Student Association because I am passionate about human rights and advocating for equitable healthcare.
Tea Sweeney
My role on the GPHSA e-board is Social Media Coordinator/Public Relations Officer. I help update and maintain our Instagram and post weekly informational posts surrounding relevant public health topics, spreading awareness, and providing resources to those in need.
I chose the GPH major because I recognise the importance of public health in all sectors of life and livelihood, and love how public health offers many different career fields and opportunities to be an actor of change in whatever one is passionate about.
I chose Global Public Health as my major as I wanted to incorporate a global aspect to my career while also having interest in healthcare. And with a GPH degree, I have a multitude of opportunities that I can go forward with and I am constantly learning new skills everyday. My involvement with GPHSA is to strengthen my connections with likeminded individuals who have similar career interests as me and moreover to learn and inform together as a community.
My name is Joharis and I am the treasurer of GPHSA. I chose to be involved in GPHSA because I am planning on going into the healthcare/medicinal field in the future and it is a priority for me to stay educated about global health related topics. This was also a good way to find other people who care about the same issues that I do.
Lesly Cabrera
Hello! My name is Lesly Cabrera, I am currently the Philanthropy Chair for the GPHSA. My role in our organization is focused on learning, teaching and spreading awareness on global public health issues faced today. I work with my peers to search for, advocate and spread awareness on ongoing or current public health issues. I compile information, resources, and focus on educating the public on different issues each month, as a part of our monthly awareness campaign. I work closely with my fellow fundraising chair to come up with fundraising ideas related to our monthly cause, as well as with outside organizations within the university community and the community at large, to ensure donations help maximize its impact and our message is spread honorably.
I decided to join GPHSA, because it embodies what I believe in, and gives myself and other students the opportunity to stay educated on the never ending public health issues we face on a worldwide scale. As a first generation student, now more than ever I believe it’s important to stay informed on the issues faced today, and relay that information to those who are vulnerable and may not have the same opportunities and access to education as I.
I have never felt as seen and heard as I have with my fellow peers in the Global Public Health Student Association, so I am confident with our teamwork we can all make a positive impact.