Casandra Sanchez Soriano

Hobbies, interests, etc

As a college student, since I was 16, my biggest interest has always been learning. I truly believe knowledge is power, and I’m passionate about diving into different topics. While I haven’t committed to a specific hobby, I’m incredibly curious and love exploring new things—even if it means I sometimes fall into the trap of trying trendy hobbies from TikTok and moving on quickly after a failed attempt! This curiosity drives me to learn about a wide range of subjects, from science and technology to art, advocacy, and environmental justice. I love how public health merges these diverse fields, blending communication, education, and technological advances to make a meaningful impact. Public health has become the perfect intersection for my varied interests and passions.

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

I'm the eldest child of Mexican immigrants, and while my parents' dream for me was to go to college and secure a good job, my educational journey has been far from easy. It took me 8 years to complete my associate's degree. While at Western Oregon University, I discovered public health and was successful in my courses; my support system at WOU was incredible—they encouraged me to apply to MPH programs nationwide.

Ultimately, I chose Oregon State University because it's close to home and feels like home. In my decision-making process, I found the most welcoming and supportive faculty and professors at OSU, and that sense of community solidified my choice.

Additionally, when I factored in the affordability of my MPH degree here, it just felt like OSU had everything I was looking for—academic excellence, a supportive environment, and proximity to my roots.

What is your favorite course you have taken so far?

I'm only in the first week of my first term in the program, so the three courses I'm enrolled in are my favorite!

In one, I'm learning about the R statistical computing package used for analyzing health data. Another course focuses on behavioral and social science theories. In a class I share with my entire MPH cohort, we're learning about each other's disciplines and how we collectively work toward improving public health through foundational knowledge and methods to critically examine current and emerging public health issues through disciplinary and integrated lenses. So far, I've enjoyed the material and I am excited to dive deeper into these topics over the next two years.

Most memorable experience in the program?

I'm still so new to the program and haven't created a core memory yet, but I have a memorable moment from my first day of classes—it rained! It was a moment of awe because just a couple of months ago, during my undergraduate graduation, it also down poured on us during the commencement ceremony. It felt like a full-circle moment, almost like the rain was a sign that I truly belong here. It reminded me that these next two years will pass quickly, so I need to make the most of them by fully immersing myself in everything OSU offers, both inside and outside the realm of public health.

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

The best advice I can give is to stay curious! Jump into spaces you'd never imagine yourself in. For example, I interned at a marketing firm one summer, and if it hadn't been for that, I wouldn't have discovered the power of communication strategies within public health. Don't be afraid to take up space and take on those challenges. And remember to drink water and get some sunlight!

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

Public health is comprehensive, and my experience spans environmental health, oral health education, community engagement, and health communications. The beauty of the field lies in its flexibility—you can apply your skills in various areas. The MPH program is yours, so you can make what you want out of it. Suppose you're looking for a hands-on approach to improving health outcomes, advocating for equity, or addressing complex issues through education, program development, policy work, research, or disease tracking. Public health constantly evolves, so there's always something new to learn.

Is there anything else that you would like to comment on or say about the OSU Public Health graduate programs?

Sco Beavs! 🦫