Mirabel Fizzano

What inspired you to study public health?

During my first semester of my undergraduate career, I was struggling to harness my passions for greater purpose. I knew that I had a passion for the health sciences, but I felt disconnected to the material that I was learning. I wanted to find a professional and academic path that could highlight my strengths in critical thinking and problem solving, while keeping the betterment of people at the forefront of creating solutions

What has been a meaningful public health experience during your undergraduate program?

The discussions that I have had within my public health courses have been very impactful to my overall undergraduate experience. My professors have pushed me to think critically about ethical dilemmas in health and the causes for inequalities and disparities seen within various communities around the world. I have been able to make real-life connections with class material, my professional experiences and my own life.

What kind of job are you hoping to pursue after graduation?

I hope to work for a healthcare system or organization that promotes Public Health at the basis of its agenda. My goal is to gain experiences that will strengthen my understanding of patient health-related decisions and behaviors and how policies can impact these decisions (and overall health outcomes). Also, I hope to complete a master’s degree in health policy and management, as well as a JD in order to gain the knowledge needed to create large impacts and build upon my problem-solving and evaluation skills.

What would you tell a peer who was thinking about majoring in public health?

Public Health provides an opportunity to utilize different skill sets and passions related to healthcare and the prevention of disease. If a student is interested in pursuing a degree in Public Health, I would tell them to be open to the various disciplines that make up the Public Health sector. If you start to realize that you have a natural strength in one of these sectors, then it is important to gear your academic journey towards those passions.

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