Posted on October 10, 2023 by Shaca Sweet
John Quiroz '24
John Quiroz is a public health major with a concentration in behavioral health and health promotion in the UTSA College for Health, Community and Policy (HCAP). He is also the 2023-24 student body vice president. Quiroz chose UTSA because of the many opportunities the university had to offer, especially compared to his old university regarding health.
While Quiroz was deciding where to transfer, the university had just launched the college. He found this opportunity exciting and entered UTSA with the idea of becoming a nurse. However, when the pandemic hit, he was able to observe the public health response to the COVID-19 crisis. This ultimately led to a new profound perspective and interest in epidemiology and public health education.
Quiroz's favorite experiences so far at the university besides the high-quality education is the privilege of serving as student body vice president. In his role, he works very closely with the President, implements small- and large-scale events for the student body, and oversees his fellow peers.
Quiroz also serves as an officer for Health Occupations Students of America and the Public Health Society. In his free time, he likes to attend community events, collaborate with public health faculty, teach health education to high schoolers in his community, and volunteer.
Quiroz plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2024. He has learned many lessons through his four years at UTSA.
“Get involved with your college, faculty, internships and research,” he said. “Stay involved with student organizations and volunteer, as there’s no better way to make friends and connections.”
After graduation, Quiroz plans to pursue a Master of Public Administration. He would like to be a healthcare provider in some capacity – he is keeping his mind open to paths in physician’s assistant studies or a public health provider.
Quiroz credits HCAP, under the leadership of Dean Lynne Cossman, for helping him along his career path, along with faculty members. “Dr. Rhonda BeLue was a huge advocate for her students,” Quiroz said, “and has given me several opportunities I would not have had otherwise.”
— Shaca Sweet
