Elsa Loya served as an academic advisor to guide undergraduate students in public health, even as she took courses online to earn her MPH degree.
Elsa Loya
MPH, Health Behaviors Health Promotion
As a member of the student services team at MEZCOPH, Elsa Loya worked full-time as an advisor for undergraduate students majoring in public health while she was earning her own MPH degree with a concentration in Health Behaviors Health Promotion. She learned how to manage her time between her job and her schoolwork, a challenge faced by many students in the Online MPH program.
Often, the time periods that were busy in her job as an academic advisor overlapped with times that were demanding in her courses. While it was not always easy to balance work and school, the experience gave Elsa a unique perspective that enabled her to better understand what her students were experiencing. As a result, she was better able to help and motivate them during difficult times in the semester.
In addition to her coursework, Elsa’s internship experience at Growing Girls gave her insight into public health practice and she was able to support younger women and girls. Lindsay Bingham, MPH, CHES, Program Director for the Growing Girls program, part of the Zuckerman Family Center for Prevention and Health Promotion, mentored Elsa for the internship.
“I completed my internship with the Growing Girls after-school program. I met some amazing people and got to apply my leadership and coordinating skills in a different capacity,” said Elsa, “I helped mentor three awesome undergraduate students and observed their growth during their internship experience through the academic year. I also learned so much from my preceptor Lindsay Bingham, she was excellent.”
Chris Tisch, former Assistant Dean of Student Services, has known Elsa since she was an undergrad in public health and she’s very proud of what she has achieved.
“I've known Elsa Loya since she was an enthusiastic student worker in the college and now, as our academic advisor, she has shown herself to be a creative and compassionate problem solver in support of our students,” said Chris, “I was delighted to learn that she had been admitted to the MPH Program because it demonstrated her love of learning and thirst for the knowledge and skills needed to address public health issues, which she shares with her student advisees. I can't wait to see how her MPH degree influences her career path!”
As she continues on her public health path, Elsa will carry the lessons and experiences she learned in the MPH program with her, including the importance of perspective and humility. Congratulations on your MPH degree Elsa! All of us in the MEZCOPH are excited to see where your talents take you!
