Hermela Shimendi says she’s always looking for ways to get involved, and she’s found plenty of opportunities at Georgia State, including the Undergraduate Public Health Club, Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association and working with GSU’s TRIO Upward Bound program.
Name: Hermela Shimendi
Hometown: Decatur, Georgia
Why did you choose to major in public health?
I’ve always taken a liking towards the science and health fields. I specifically chose to major in public health once I learned how broad the public health umbrella was. I knew that I found a place to call home in global health. I got into the field of public health with the intention to improve accessibility in less fortunate areas, whether it be providing physical resources or educating the uninformed. There were also many topics that I hadn’t heard of that helped me explore different health paths and narrow down my interests, such as minority health, health disparities and determinants of health.
What has been your favorite public health class at Georgia State, and why? Surprisingly, all the classes that I have taken were all great! But the top two that come to mind are PHPH2001, “Fundamentals of Epidemiology” and PHPB4020, “Intro to Public Health Program Implementation and Evaluation.” Not only did I have amazing teachers who cared about the topics at hand, but they also showed the same spirit beyond the classroom. I specifically loved learning about the intricacies of how to implement a program and that reevaluating and adjusting throughout the process can make sure longevity is achieved. I also loved learning how different patterns, strategies and factors can either help or hinder a community’s or a population’s health.
Tell us about your campus involvement?
I am part of the Undergraduate Public Health Club (UPHC) and the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association (EESA). I am currently working with GSU TRIO Upward Bound, which helps high school students who come from low-income families or from families where neither parent has a bachelor’s degree become exposed to the many post-secondary options that are available. I’ve participated in Virus Hunters, where we find mutant viruses and analyze their genomes using the NCBI software, and have undergone NET training, where narrative exposure therapy is used to help increase mental health services in communities. I am always looking for more volunteer opportunities and community service opportunities to partake in!
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus by far is the swing set area that lies outside, near the Urban Life Building and Student Center East! I love going there after my last class to just take time to sit and re-center. I tend to also get much of my work done quickly there and can go for a snack in the area!
What advice do you have for incoming students?
The best advice I can give for incoming students is to not to be discouraged by what others are doing, but instead be inspired and driven by it. Everyone is on their own path, and trying to pace yourself with someone else’s timing should never be the goal. Learning that everyone is on their own timing has helped me tremendously in having confidence in myself. But with this, one must also be able to take chances and put in the work to see their path forming and start their journey. The most important thing is to start. At times, you may feel unmotivated or discouraged, but you’ll never know how things may end up or where you might end up if you don’t begin!
What’s your career aspiration?
I believe that my sense of purpose—no matter what I end up doing—is to help others in need, and I hope that I continue to keep that with me as I start my career. I grew up and was exposed to knowing what it is like on the other side of the coin. For that reason, I knew to never take advantage of anything, especially the basic necessities that we tend to overlook sometimes. I would love to be able to work as or alongside humanitarians to create interventions and directly make an impact. Right now, I want to work in the Atlanta area and slowly open up my reach to a bigger scale. In the future, I would love to work for an international non-profit organization like the UN and work with their branch, UNICEF, to help reach the Sustainable Development Goals.