Meet our Students
Undergraduate Ambassador
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Ana Fernandez
Major in Public Health: Global Health and Medicine
I chose Public Health because growing up in Mexico, I witnessed how limited access to healthcare and environmental resources deeply affected my community. Moving to the U.S., I realized these disparities don’t stop at borders; they just look different. Public health is the language of justice spoken through epidemiology, policy, and human stories. It gave me the framework to see community issues not as isolated tragedies but as solvable challenges. Courses like HPS 387 on Health Disparities & Minority Health validate my experiences and equip me with tools to address them.
Hometown:
Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, Mexico
Majors / Minors:
Major in Public Health: Global Health and Medicine
Why choose the UA / What’s awesome about the UA:
MEZCOPH stood out for its commitment to real-world impact and health equity. In high school, before participating in the Young Global Leaders program, I didn't even know public health existed as a field of study. Like many, I thought healthcare only happened in hospitals, until those summer experiences opened my eyes to the world of preventive care, health policy, environmental advocacy, and community wellness. The college’s focus on border health, community engagement, and hands-on learning aligns with my goal of bridging gaps in healthcare access. MEZCOPH isn’t just training me for a career, it’s empowering me to heal the systems perpetuating inequity.
Why did you choose public health?
I chose Public Health because growing up in Mexico, I witnessed how limited access to healthcare and environmental resources deeply affected my community. Moving to the U.S., I realized these disparities don’t stop at borders; they just look different. Public health is the language of justice spoken through epidemiology, policy, and human stories. It gave me the framework to see community issues not as isolated tragedies but as solvable challenges. Courses like HPS 387 on Health Disparities & Minority Health validate my experiences and equip me with tools to address them.
Fun Fact about you (hobbies, trivia, etc.):
Outside of school, I love walking my dog Mona, exploring local coffee shops with my sister, and cooking recipes that remind me of home in Mexico. I also like playing volleyball and pickleball! When I can, I enjoy volunteering at community events, it keeps me grounded and connected.
One piece of advice for incoming students (transfer and freshmen):
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there’s strength in reaching out. Advocate for yourself, even when it’s scary. Your lived experiences are valid and powerful. Stay organized, stay kind (especially to yourself), and surround yourself with people who believe in you. And remember: you belong here, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.