Karina Goicochea

What inspired you to study public health?

I was inspired by my passion for outreach and health education, which was originally rooted in community nutrition back when I was in high school.

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

My most rewarding experience was having the opportunity to be an interpreter with Community Outreach Inc. at their farm clinics in Philomath, Oregon. I am able to utilize my talents as a bilingual public health student to improve patient experiences with healthcare.

What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting out in public health?

To not be discouraged by being the only person of color in your workplace or in your classroom. You are exactly where you need to be.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that the public health field should be focusing on?

The biggest challenge that public health should focus on is recruiting culturally diverse public health professionals.