Reflections on Careers in Public Health for FGLI Students

Over the last few months, I’ve been profoundly moved by the increasing number of students, especially First-Generation, Low-Income (FGLI) students, who have reached out to me seeking advice on public health careers and navigating the academic paths that come with it. Each inquiry brings me back to my own journey—a journey that has been both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging.

As I reflect on my time at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH), it becomes clear that the students who reach out share many of the same questions and anxieties I faced not too long ago. How do you break into a field where connections and insider knowledge seem to open doors more readily than merit alone? How do you manage when your financial safety net is, in reality, a threadbare cushion at best? These are not hypothetical questions for FGLI students, and they certainly weren’t for me.

When I started at YSPH, I was determined to carve out a space for myself in the world of health communications, despite the odds stacked against me. I brought with me a passion for health equity, but I lacked the networks and inherited knowledge that many of my peers seemed to have. Yet, through grit and the relentless pursuit of opportunities, I found my place. I developed a graduate-level course, launched the Initiative for Strategic Health Communications, and worked on critical public health initiatives with community partners in New Haven and Oklahoma City. These accomplishments didn’t come easily, but they are the result of unwavering resilience—a trait I see reflected in every FGLI student who reaches out to me.

For many of these students, navigating public health academia is as much about survival as it is about thriving. The field demands a combination of intellectual rigor, practical experience, and often, the luxury of time and money—resources that many FGLI students simply don’t have. Over the last four years since graduating, I’ve had the privilege of supervising and mentoring over 16 students, guiding them through their own academic and professional journeys. But I didn’t always have the answers or the resources they needed. I was often pushing for my own resources—pushing for support, advocating for health communications, and trying to carve out my own space, just as they were. Still, the students deserved more than just a foot in the door; they deserved a roadmap to success.

This mentorship has been the most fulfilling part of my work at YSPH. I’ve had the honor of guiding brilliant students through internships, capstone projects, and real-world public health initiatives. I see their potential not just in their academic achievements, but in their willingness to challenge the status quo, to ask difficult questions, and to advocate for under-resourced communities—qualities that public health so desperately needs.

Now, as my current funding at Yale comes to an end, I find myself at a crossroads. My LinkedIn post from earlier this month reflected on my six years here, filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Yet, it also carried a bittersweet tone, as I prepare to step away from a role that has been so central to my growth. The reactions to this news from colleagues, students, and alumni have been incredibly touching. There has been genuine disbelief that I would be leaving, with many expressing frustration over the system. It has been humbling and heartwarming to receive these messages of encouragement, knowing that the work I’ve poured myself into has resonated so deeply with those around me.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and not fully appreciate the breadth of the impact you’re having. But hearing from so many people who have valued my work reminds me of the importance of what we’ve achieved together—and how essential it is to continue advocating for health communication, equity, and community-engaged public health.

To the students who have reached out to me, know this: You are capable of more than you realize. The path ahead may be difficult, but it is worth it. I hope that in some small way, my mentorship has helped you see what’s possible. Whether you’re thinking about a career in public health or considering how you can advocate for health equity in your communities, know that your voice is powerful. You are the future of this field, and I am deeply honored to have been part of your journey.

That said, as I transition through this current period, I will unfortunately be unable to provide as much direct advice as I normally would. While I’ll be less available, I remain committed to supporting the growth of FGLI students and will always find ways to champion their success, even from afar.

For additional resources on navigating the journey as a first-generation or low-income student at Yale, I encourage you to visit 1stgenyale.org.

For current YSPH students, I highly recommend getting more involved with the alumni board. Feel free to reach out to Dawn Carroll for more information.