Posted on December 12, 2024 by
Joelia Hernandez is graduating with a Master of Science in Health, Community and Policy. She is looking forward to working in the field of public health.
What made you decide to attend UTSA?
I decided to attend UTSA since I heard so much about it from my cousin, who attended here throughout his undergrad years, and I wanted to gain the “college experience” at a bigger university since my undergrad university is a bit smaller than UTSA. Not only that, UTSA has a large Hispanic population and as a First-Generation, Latina student, I would have felt most comfortable attending a university that had people from my culture so that I would have a social support that made me feel like I was back home.
What made you choose your major?
I chose my major because I wanted to enter a field that sort of a combination of my undergraduate degree of Biology with a minor in Psychology. So when I discovered this masters program at UTSA, I didn’t hesitate to ask.
What has been your favorite moment/experience at UTSA?
My favorite experience at UTSA has been working as a Graduate Research Assistant and seeing the behind-the-scenes of research. It has allowed me to get a greater appreciation and understanding of what it means to do research.
How did your degree shape your future goals?
My degree has help me consider research as a career path!
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in college?
My proudest accomplishment is getting to present alongside my Graduate professor at a national conference for Public Health.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your college years, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has been learning how to navigate a new city. It’s my first time living in my own and I have slowly and continue to overcome this challenge by joining events that allow me to learn a little more about what the city has to offer. For example, the city has free courses for music,dance, etc and throughout these courses, I have been able to meet some people who give me advice.
If you could give advice to incoming students, what would it be?
My advice for incoming students would be to go for it! If you have enough curiosity about an organization, event, or whatever it is that comes to your mind, go for it! It’s better to have gone through the experience then be left with the “what if” feeling.
What are your post-graduation plans, if any?
So far, I’m hoping to enter the workfield for Public Health either continuing work in an academic field or within the City’s Health Department.
If your years at UTSA had a theme song, what would it be?
I’ve only been at UTSA for a year but if I had to pick a song, I think it would be “Talk It Up” by Sammy Rae and The Friends
What’s your go-to comfort food for stressful study sessions?
My go-to comfort food is a rotisserie chicken sandwich with baked lays chips!
What surprised you the most about college life?
What surprised me was how lively it can get on campus!
How do you want to use your degree to make a difference in your community or field?
I want to be able to be a voice for women and the Hispanic/Latino community and raise awareness of unspoken health issues that affect these populations.
If you had to sum up your college experience in three words, what would they be?
Growth, Learning, and Exciting
What’s one piece of advice that you received during college that you’ll carry with you?
To continue fighting for what is right!
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