Janie Buckingham

Meet our Students

Undergraduate Ambassador

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Janie Buckingham
Janie Buckingham
Major in Public Health: Global Health
I chose public health because it is the perfect intersection of healthcare preparedness and fostering empathy among students who want to make a difference in people's lives. With public health, I hope to work in developing communities within my home state of Washington and my culture in the Philippines to promote a healthier community with stronger access to healthcare and health rights. I believe that everyone, no matter their race, social, or economic class, deserves access to healthcare and health programs, and public health is the perfect degree for me to help enact that.

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Hometown:

Richland, WA

Majors / Minors:

Major in Public Health: Global Health 

Why choose the UA / What’s awesome about the UA:

When deciding what I wanted to study in college, I knew that I wanted to work in the health field related to promoting preventative healthcare. I initially wanted to go down the path of medical school and decided to major in chemistry as I found the classes fun and thought that it was the best track to get me where I wanted to go. While I did enjoy my time in the chemistry major, I didn’t find that it properly aligned with my goals. I wanted more emphasis on the personal aspect of healthcare, and centering the patients above all else. I later realized it wasn’t exactly the medical field I wanted to go into, but health promotion to help those in communities that do not have access to doctors. In my search, I found MEZCOPH. MEZCOPH not only aligns with all of my goals but promotes them exactly, from focusing on health promotion to health equity, I knew that the College of Public Health at the University of Arizona would get me to where I want to go. I appreciate the constant effort in diversity and inclusion that MEZCOPH values and find that its inclusivity for all will foster the most empathetic and professional public health advocates. 

Why did you choose public health?

I chose public health because it is the perfect intersection of healthcare preparedness and fostering empathy among students who want to make a difference in people's lives. With public health, I hope to work in developing communities within my home state of Washington and my culture in the Philippines to promote a healthier community with stronger access to healthcare and health rights. I believe that everyone, no matter their race, social, or economic class, deserves access to healthcare and health programs, and public health is the perfect degree for me to help enact that. 

Fun Fact about you (hobbies, trivia, etc.):

I love reading, running, all things outdoors, and listening to Taylor Swift.

One piece of advice for incoming students (transfer and freshmen):

My number one tip for all students is to find comfort in being uncomfortable. It will be nearly impossible to grow as a person and succeed in your goals if you never leave your comfort zone. It is important to challenge yourself and find the situations where you will thrive!