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School of Public Health
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With aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, BSPH student Laitsa Jean chose to major in public health to broaden her perspective from solely treating future patients to also exploring options to prevent disease and understand the “how” and “why” of health outcomes.
Name: Laitsa Jean
Hometown: Elmont, New York
Expected date of graduation: December 2025
Which concentration did you choose, and why?
I chose the Population Health Sciences concentration with a Pre-Med track because I have always been interested in pursuing medicine. I want to play a direct role in improving the health outcomes of future patients, while also considering the health determinants that contribute to the lifestyle and health of various populations.
Why did you choose to major in public health?
I chose public health because I knew I wanted to dedicate four years of my time to a subject matter relating to the overall health of the population. Public health has taught me that the health of individuals shouldn’t be solely focused on treating their conditions, but also on looking at options to prevent disease and understanding the “how” and “why” of health outcomes.
What has been your favorite public health class at Georgia State, and why?My favorite public health class has been “Introduction to Public Health.” This was the first class I took in college that related to my major. I had Dr. Cormier, and his personality and teaching style created a memorable first impression of the school. I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about the purpose or scope of public health, but the class provided me with a good overview of what public health encompasses.
Tell us about your campus involvement?
I am a third-year Resident Assistant at University Commons, and I also work as a Student Assistant at the daycare on campus. I am a member of the Undergraduate Public Health Club and the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the fifth floor of the library (quiet floor). It is the perfect spot if I need to focus and cut off distractions so that I can complete any assignment or tasks.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
The biggest advice I have for students is to put yourself out there and make connections. Having good grades is important, but making connections can take you a long way in the pathway you are interested in. Students and faculty provide resources and advice that you wouldn’t have had access to or knowledge of without them.
What’s your career aspiration?
I aspire to be a family physician specializing in obstetrics, so that I can pursue my goal of working with all age groups and backgrounds, while also being able to work in maternal health.