Christina Chac

What inspired you to study public health?

What motivated me to study public health started with my family. When I was younger, I was passionate about promoting healthy habits to my family and friends such as proper handwashing techniques, getting vaccinated, and consuming healthy foods. As I got older, I saw my loved ones develop health problems and I couldn’t help but feel like I could have done even more to prevent the health issues. I strongly believe in educating individuals and communities because there are many misconceptions or lack of knowledge that may affect our health and well-being. During my sophomore year of undergraduate studies, I explored the field of public health and I fell in love with the discipline. I found a field where I can combine my personal passions, interests, and academic studies and pursue it as a career. With Public Health, I can help my family and the communities that I serve to achieve positive health outcomes.

What has been the single most rewarding experience of your career/studies so far?

I had the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in a medical brigade. Our group provided a free medical and public health clinic for over a thousand patients in several rural communities. Following our clinic days, we traveled to another rural community to build a latrine and a sanitation station. The slightest and most significant interactions with community members are memories that I will always cherish. To serve these communities, while gaining a global health perspective, has been the most life-changing experience I have had thus far. I hope we can continue these efforts to create sustainable Public Health initiatives around the world.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

I hope to combine my experiences in the field, along with upholding cultural competency and cultural humility, to advocate for vulnerable populations. My Public Health interests include but are not limited to community outreach, prevention of communicable and chronic diseases, and health literacy. I am committed to increasing my knowledge and training in the field, immersing myself in various communities, and radiating my passion for Public Health to help the communities that I serve to achieve positive health outcomes and health equity.

Advice:

Whether it is starting in public health or already immersed in the field, I would say to continue to explore and learn new things within the Public Health field. Public Health is constantly changing as health issues and challenges emerge. It is crucial to keep up to date with accurate health information to promote health and advocate for positive health outcomes. Every aspect of Public Health is relevant! With exploration, you can confirm your passions or identify new ones that are just as important.