Claudia Ospina '26
Claudia Ospina '26
Why did you choose Texas A&M’s School of Public Health?
“I attended an informational about public health but was already set with allied health. So, when the two programs merged, I was very excited. I have found a close-knit community at the School of Public Health. I was also recruited into the Broad Street Society and that helped me better understand public health and its role in communities. The professors here at the School of Public Health interact and connect with students, which I have really enjoyed.”
What has your experience been like in the program?
“In allied health, the environment is very broad. There are a lot of professors and students, but in public health specifically, I found a community. I see classmates in every class I have, and I am more connected to the professors. This made me feel more important as a student rather than being lost in the crowd.”
How do you feel this program has helped you prepare for a post-grad career?
“I want to apply to nursing school and the faculty here have been really supportive. Dr. Curtis has always been encouraging by meeting with me and talking with me about my future goals. The professors here are very interested in our success. They want to see us go out in the world and help people and that was the mindset I was looking for.”
What level of support have you received while in our program?
"Dr. Fehr introduced me to this organization called Future Aggie Nurses. Through her and through this organization, I feel more prepared to apply to nursing school and be prepared for the real world. I felt clueless coming in, but they really helped me feel prepared."
What do you think of the coursework?
“For me personally, it has been very manageable. It’s not easy, but it is definitely achievable. The professors want to prepare you for the future, but more importantly they want you to succeed.”
How do you feel you have changed, personally or professionally since the beginning of the program?
"I am an introvert, but public health makes you get out there and get out of your comfort zone. Also, by presenting in Broad Street Society, I have learned to be more open-minded and take initiative. I was also able to make presentations, get feedback and engage in discussions with professors regarding such topics as vaccine efficiency and the dangers of vaping."
What advice would you give someone looking into A&M’s School of Public Health?
“Our professors want us to be successful. You will definitely find a community of like-minded people that have the same end goal of helping people. I would really recommend you connect with the people that you find, because you never know how you could impact them or they you.”
What are your plans for the future?
“As a nurse practitioner, I hope to instill in my patients the importance of prevention. It is really important to educate people on things like diet, exercise, and wearing a helmet when you ride a bike. I think education within healthcare is a major aspect of how I plan to use this degree in my future.”
What has been your favorite thing about the program?
“I really love the friendships I’ve made and the community I’ve formed with other students. I have classmates that are going to PA school, medical school, epidemiology, but we all know that we’re in the same place and that we share the same end goal of helping others.”