Mia Elizondo ’22
Why did you choose Texas A&M’s School of Public Health?
“I did my undergrad at A&M in public health, and I really enjoyed it. In my interview for graduate school, I focused on how I enjoyed the support from the administration and my professors. One of my undergraduate professors helped me with my personal statement going into graduate school and gave me interview tips. Dr. Gerard Carrino went out of his way for me, so I knew I would have that same level of support going into my master’s program.”
What has your experience been like in the program?
“I came in wanting that support system and I feel like I have gotten that. Everyone has helped me professionally and academically. In addition to having a great program that helps me build a lot of skills, the program has created a community for me where I can learn from other students. I have made friendships I think will last a lifetime.”
How do you feel this program has helped you prepare for a post-grad career?
“It helped me get a job. There were a lot of skills that we learned in the classroom that can be applied to future jobs. Learning more about myself and how I might manage or work with other people has really helped me to better understand other people and how to work as a team which is important in healthcare.”
What level of support have you received while in your program?
“My program director and professors have written letters of recommendations for me. We have professors who are also advisors, so we’ll meet at least once a semester for feedback on how we're doing, how we have grown, and they ask if they can assist us in anyway. The support system has been student focused and that’s important because it helps a student explore what they would want to achieve.”
What do you think of the coursework?
“It is dynamic. It allows students to dive into different categories of healthcare that they did not realize they were interested in before. Being able to build on skills that I didn’t have before has been helpful.”
How do you feel you have changed, personally or professionally since the beginning of the program?
“Personally, I think my work ethic has grown. Trying to get the best grades possible or applying to jobs takes a lot of time and effort, so if you really want something you must put in the effort to get there. I’ve had to push for my personal goals which has built a sense of confidence as well. “
What advice would you give someone looking into A&M’s School of Public Health?
“Take the time to visit in person and get to know as many students and staff as you can because talking to them will give you the sense of community that is here. Get your foot in the door and meet as many people as you can.”
What are your plans for the future?
“From my practicum I realized I was interested in hospital operations. I will be starting as an administrative fellow at CommonSpirit Health in Chattanooga, TN after graduation. From my fellowship I am hoping to get a better sense of how operations work in a hospital and throughout a health care system in general. My main goal is to learn as much as I can over the next year and a half and then hopefully pursue an operations or administrative assistant role in the future and one day become a CEO.”
What has been your favorite thing about the program?
“Being able to work with a diverse group of people. We have international students as well as students like me who went to A&M for undergrad. Throughout the program you work with people who are working towards the same goals as you and have the same interests which help to build that sense of community.”
Learn more about the MHA Program
