Graduate Ambassadors

Seize your moment- some of the most meaningful growth comes from unexpected opportunities and intimidating challenges. At MEZCOPH, I discovered that stepping outside of my comfort zone often led to most rewarding experiences, both personally and academically. Don't be afraid to ask questions, get involved, and connect with your peers and professors; the sense of community here is incredibly strong and supportive. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or shared experiences, you'll find people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Embrace every opportunity with curiosity and confidence and remember that your voice and perspective are valuable in making meaningful change.

Network with current students to learn from their experiences. There are so many resources to support you- read and ask about these resources. Ask and you shall find, knock and it shall be given unto you.

Research, connect and showcase your passion: Carefully research MEZCOPH’s programs and faculty to ensure that they align with your goals, and prepare a timely application that shows how your interests align with the college’s strengths. Connect with faculty members and current students to gain valuable insights and establish professional relationships. Highlight your work or research experience in public health, especially those demonstrating your commitment to health disparities and community health Once you start your program at MEZCOPH ensure you build strong relationships with your professors and classmates. Faculty members can be valuable mentors, and your peers can offer support, collaboration opportunities, and diverse perspectives. Balancing coursework, research, and other activities can be challenging but staying organized and managing your time well will help.

Make good use of the library and librarians. There are very good resources in the library that can help you in your academic journey and the librarians are super helpful. Don't be scared to ask for help; they are always ready to assist and enrich your graduate school experience

Take every opportunity to connect with faculty and colleagues. The relationships you build will carry you through the challenges of graduate school. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Finally, remember why you started; keeping your long-term goals in mind makes the difficult days much easier to manage.

Move at your own pace and set your own benchmarks—this is YOUR own journey. Extend charitably toward everyone, it will come back to you tenfold! Clearly distinguish the role of a close friend and that of a colleague, hold onto the relationships that can fulfill both roles. Do not expect mentorship and sound guidance to come from a single person, build your circle of mentors you can rely on in different ways.

Build your network! You never know who might connect you with your next research project or fellowship. Aim to be the person who comes to mind when people hear about an opportunity that matches your strengths.

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, MEZCOPH has provided a community in which I’ve felt supported and able to thrive. The faculty and staff are passionate, approachable, and seem to really care about their students. Through MEZCOPH, I’ve been connected to so many interesting people and opportunities I hadn't expected. It is a terrific network to be a part of!

Be active in your community! No matter how big or small the community, I believe it is important to always be involved and ready to help others, especially in graduate school.

Stay curious and open-minded, public health is vast and interdisciplinary, and your growth will come from exploring its many dimensions. Build strong relationships with faculty and peers; collaboration and mentorship are essential in this field. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, learning a new method, leading a project, or presenting your research. Time management and self-care are equally important to balance your academic goals with personal well-being. And most importantly, stay grounded in your purpose: remember why you chose public health and let that guide your path.

Our community at MEZCOPH are some of the friendliest people I've ever met-- your peers are your greatest resources!

Take care of yourself! Remember that your program is a marathon, not a race. Go at a pace you can maintain and give yourself what you need to keep going.

My top tips for future students are to lean into your curiosity and to find ways to connect and apply the content you're learning to what you're passionate about.

Ask and you shall receive! I have gotten all of the opportunities that I have today by asking for them! Don’t be afraid to cold call or cold email people, or ask for an introduction from a professor or faculty. Apply for things you “aren’t qualified for”! You’ll never know what will come of it.