To celebrate National Public Health Week we asked our students: How do you view your role in public health as a student at Temple University? Here's what they said.

Brittany Robinson

As a student, sometimes it feels that one cannot make a true difference in their field until they have completed their program and landed their first post-graduation job. However, public health gives students an opportunity to make a difference while they are still learning. I have been able to experience this firsthand as a graduate extern at the Wellness Resource Center, Temple’s on-campus health promotion office. I have assisted with planning sexual health events in which we connect students to on-campus and off-campus resources that promote sexual health for all, regardless of sexual orientation. I have been able to direct students to free and confidential HIV testing done weekly, and I have facilitated programs providing education on bystander intervention and brief motivational interviewing. It’s an honor to be doing the work I’m passionate about while still being a student.

Katherine Rodriguez

To me, public health is about working in the community, and Temple has given me the opportunity to do just that. This year, I have been fortunate enough to work with The Food Trust, a local organization working to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and nutritious food. By providing nutrition education and free health screenings in corner stores, we can have an impact on eating behavior. Low income communities and communities of color have been disproportionately affected by low access to healthy food and a high prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The reality is that place matters, and a myriad of social factors have an influence on health status. Ensuring that people have access to healthy food and the self-efficacy to make healthy choices won't eliminate health disparities, but it can get us one step closer to making sure people can lead the healthiest life possible.

Kimya Forouzan

Being a student in both the law and the public health programs has given me a unique perspective on my work and on the need for all of us to work on interdisciplinary teams to reach broader goals. I pursued the JD/MPH program because I saw so much of myself and my community in recognized needs for policy change. My focus has largely been on reproductive health, immigrant and minority health issues, and their interaction with the law and policy. While I still have much to learn in my career, my role as a Temple student has shown me the importance of always being an advocate.

For more information visit: cph.temple.edu