MPH student Kaithleen Hernandez, who is complementing their classroom knowledge with a graduate research assistantship in the Center for Leadership in Disability, wants to make systemic changes that improve public health.
Name: Kaithleen Hernandez, and I go by Leen!
Hometown: Buenaventura Lakes, Florida
Undergraduate degree and institution: Sustainability and the Environment, B.A, Florida International University
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
While in my pursuit of where to apply and where I wanted to attend, I had immense support from peers and mentors who encouraged me to apply to a university that offered the background and experience that I needed. Georgia State University had all of that! I also value the student body population being incredibly diverse; I get to learn so much more being surrounded by voices from all over the globe. GSU continues to broaden my perspective, which I know will make me a stronger and more conscientious professional once I graduate.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
My reasoning for choosing Health Management and Policy has a lot to do with my experience and where I want to end up. I have been a community organizer working on grassroots campaigns for a decade and have been part of winning some of those campaigns, too! However, the desire for more is part of the human experience, and I strive to work in an arena that allows for more systemic change so I can contribute to improved ways of achieving the results we are all striving for in public health.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursuing an MPH at Georgia State?
Take. Your. Time. Graduate school will be here happily awaiting your application when you’re ready! I think starting an MPH, or any master’s program, requires intention and direction. You don’t have to have your whole life mapped out, but you should be able to at least be able to see the next couple of steps ahead for you. Sometimes we think we want something and then when we get it, we realize that it is not what we actually wanted. Take your time, gain some experience at an internship, take on a role at your office, and try to be patient with your growth. The better you feel about your decisions, the more likely you are to commit to them.
Tell us about your campus involvement?
I have a graduate research assistantship with CARE, a study that is funded by the Center for Leadership in Disability. I spend about four days of the week on campus mainly to read and study before classes. I would like to get more involved with the EXLAB makerspace and attend some of their hands-on classes.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
Without a doubt, my favorite place is wherever there is a microwave! I tend to stick around the Student Center for that sole reason. Meal prepping really is the wave!
What’s your career aspiration?
One of my current goals is to work for the federal government with an agency that allows me to grow and continue learning from leadership!