Posted on December 5, 2024 by
Maria Agustina Von Zehmen is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology and disease control. An international student from Argentina, she also earned a spot in the Honors College.
What made you decide to attend UTSA?
Since I was eleven years old, I always dreamed of studying abroad, which is what mainly motivated me to pursue a bachelor's degree in the United States. While I was looking at universities to apply for, I discovered UTSA. I was intrigued by all of the organizations, departments, and resources they had to offer, while I was also interested in learning more about the San Antonio community and everything it has to offer. Consequently, I was able to visit the UTSA campus before applying while I was on vacation, and I loved it! I was amazed at the endless opportunities available here, and all of the support they bring to the community.
What made you choose your major?
My first major was Business Management, but I wasn't entirely sure on what area or industry I wanted to focus on. During my freshman year, I joined a volunteer program at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio, where I was able to learn more about hospital management, patient care, and medical training. During this program, I realized how intrigued I was to learn more about non-profit organizations, community resources, and public health initiatives that address community needs. This inspired me to explore a degree that would combine my passion for helping people, with a focus on health and the well-being of the community.
What has been your favorite moment/experience at UTSA?
My favorite experience at UTSA has been, to start with, having the opportunity to work at the Campus Recreation Center. I worked there for around 9 months before I started another job on campus, and I believe it was an amazing experience where I got to meet so many people and learn more about the San Antonio community and other fellow students at UTSA. When I moved to San Antonio, I didn't know anyone, and this experience during my sophomore year allowed me to become a part of an amazing community and feel at home and comfortable while living in another country and facing those challenges.
How did your degree shape your future goals?
One of my main career goals is to improve the health outcomes of communities around the world with the resources available. Through my coursework and practical experiences, I have gained valuable experience and skills in health programs, public health challenges, and health disparities in San Antonio, my home country Argentina, and other places around the globe. Therefore, I can say that the nature of this program has broadened my perspective, enabling me to address public health challenges from both scientific and management perspectives. Whether through public health research, program development, or policy implementation, I strive to make a meaningful impact on local and international communities.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in college?
I am proud of everything I was able to accomplish and learn while studying at UTSA, starting with my work experiences in research and health, to the people I have met and who have become my mentors in the past few years. Even though I experienced a great change in lifestyle and had to adapt to a new environment, I am proud that I was able to overcome the migration challenges and was able to grow and learn from all of the experiences I have had so far. I can say that I am also proud of obtaining my Honors College stole, which reflects the hard work and dedication I put into my degree and my classes.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your college years, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was migrating from Argentina to Texas, as I had to face many challenges along the way and learn how to adapt to a change in lifestyle and environment. I first had to get used to another language, since I wasn't used to speaking in English every day, and I had to create a new life in a place far away from home, which often made me feel homesick. However, I believe that I was mainly able to overcome these challenges by building a strong support system here in San Antonio, and learning how to accept and adapt to the change in lifestyle that I was facing. With the help of my friends and my family, I learned how to embrace those migration challenges and grow from them, taking it one step at a time.
If you could give advice to incoming students, what would it be?
If I could give advice to incoming students, it would be to embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. College is not just about earning a degree, but also about getting to know the people that surround you, facing those setbacks, and stepping out of your comfort zone in order to push yourself to ty new things. It's also important to find a balance between school and your personal life; always staying true to yourself and your goals, while also building your skills and experiencing unique opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
What are your post-graduation plans, if any?
My post-graduation plan is to first find a job, possibly in policy analysis or clinical research, that will allow me to build my skills and experience in the Public Health field. Later on, I would like to get my master's degree in biomedical engineering to focus on developing innovative solutions and aiding in the creation of medical devices to support underserved communities. My main focus at the moment is on vision, as I would love to create a meaningful impact in preventing blindness and enhancing sight.
If your years at UTSA had a theme song, what would it be?
I would say it is Hasta la Raiz by Natalia Lafourcade. The song beautifully captures embracing who you are, acknowledging your roots, and staying true to oneself.
What’s your go-to comfort food for stressful study sessions?
My go-to comfort food for stressful study sessions is anything sweet, but I usually go for either m&m's or Famous Amos cookies.
What surprised you the most about college life?
What surprised me the most about college life was the incredible diversity of organizations and opportunities available. Before coming to UTSA, I had no idea how many student groups, professional associations, and volunteer programs existed on campus. From cultural and identity-based organizations to academic clubs, sports teams, and special interest groups, it felt like there was something for everyone.
How do you want to use your degree to make a difference in your community or field?
I want to make a difference by focusing on improving vision health, as I’ve seen how crucial eyesight is to overall quality of life. During my internship with Prevent Blindness Texas, I became certified in Adult and Children’s Vision Screening and learned how early intervention can prevent severe vision issues. This inspired me to explore solutions that can enhance access to vision care, particularly in underserved populations.
If you had to sum up your college experience in three words, what would they be?
I would say college has been transformative, challenging, and rewarding. I definitely had to learn more about myself and my passions and dreams in order to grow personally and professionally, but college has also equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue my passions and make a difference. It was a journey of self-discovery, and a period of immense growth that shaped me into the person I am today and prepared me for the future I want to build.
What’s one piece of advice that you received during college that you’ll carry with you?
A piece of advice that I will carry with me forever is growth begins where your comfort zone ends. This advice pushed me to take on opportunities that initially felt intimidating, like volunteering at the Children's Hospital, speaking up in classes, or taking leadership roles in group projects. Every time I stepped into unfamiliar territory, I discovered new strengths, learned valuable lessons, and gained confidence I didn’t know I had. It taught me that the discomfort of trying something new is often the first step toward achieving your greatest goals.
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