Hobbies, interests, etc

Tribal public health, giving back to Indigenous communities, animals, anything sanrio (hello kitty), KBBQ, social justice, and working out.

Why did you choose OSU for your Public Health graduate degree?

I went to undergrad here, formed my chosen family here, knew Native faculty and had people watch me grow up, was familiar with the space, and navigating it.

What is your favorite course you have taken so far?

I honestly don't have a favorite, but I like all the HPHB cohort specific courses just cause I get to be with my friends and they're the reason I show up to class and can be myself. Also, the ES elective I took cause ethnic studies is a breath of fresh air for BIPOC students - when there's so much going on in the world, it helps to go to a space like that and be with people like yourself to help process all that we're going through together.

Most memorable experience in the program so far and why?

Ew I don't know probably making friends and being annoying. I like walking to class together, getting boba tea together, and being a part of each other's lives during the highs and lows. Like the mundane parts that also grow into the things you randomly remember and build on the big moments. Also the instructors and faculty being so supportive when I reach out and also know my quirks and sense of humor.

What advice would you give someone thinking about getting a graduate degree in Public Health?

Depends on what they're thinking... but for the most part, if everything else in life has built up to this point, then go for it. Let the process and your people help guide you with the decision for this degree.

If you were to recommend the MPH or Public Health PhD program to a close friend, what would you say?

I'll say that I almost did not graduate undergrad (had a 1.4 GPA or something like that at one point) and managed to graduate with a 2.7 and am now going into Year 2 of my MPH with a 4.0. I don't like sharing my GPA now cause actually it makes me uncomfortable and it's not the best measurement of who I am. But it's helpful for putting it into perspective. I'm way more open about my failures because I want people like me out there to know that institutions, grades, and society will make you feel like you can't but your heart, people, passion, and communities will always prove otherwise. Now I understand what people mean when they told me grad school was easier than undergrad. Some of us take time to mature haha. So take your time. Get some experience. Come back seasoned and ready to show out. Make some haters mad haha. It'll make a difference in the quality of your education. Also don't rush yourself! It's ok to wait until your life is at a place ready for it too <3 Slow down, listen, and even pace yourself in the program. Don't come into it thinking it's going to solve your problems or change your life. It's not undergrad anymore. Come into it knowing that with or without the degree, it's not going to make a difference for what you do with your work and communities, because you are the difference that's going to make the best out of the program.