M.P.H. student’s hands-on experience unleashes public health potential
With an undergraduate degree in health, physical education and exercise science, Jocelyn Espinoza planned to pursue a degree in nursing next. However, her time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), provided first-hand experience of the barriers that prevented folks from accessing health care and living healthier lives. For one, as a Mexican-American, Espinoza found herself translating for Hispanic and Latino patients who had trouble accessing resources and communicating with their providers. This experience triggered a reassessment of her goals and how she wanted to impact the world of health. Her search led her to VCU’s School of Public Health.
After her first year in the Master of Public Health program, she interned at La Casa de la Salud (LCS), an organization geared directly towards addressing health issues in the Hispanic/Latino community. Espinoza assisted with program development for the community, conducting literature reviews to help support the programs that addressed barriers. This built on the community service work she was already doing around Richmond, with organizations like Peter Paul RVA, Health Brigade, and RVA Community Fridges, and gave her a chance to apply her passion for community with what she was learning in the classroom.
“Working at LCS, most programming is run by community health workers. The community-based aspect is so important to me,” said Espinoza. “You can hear from the community what their needs are. We’re building trust and including them in the process. It’s super important and I see VCU stresses that a lot, too.”
An ambassador for public health
Espinoza’s experience researching career options and getting to know the community she hopes to serve has led her to her new role with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) as a This is Public Health! Ambassador. She hopes to spread awareness of what public health is and how it is a great path for people like her who didn’t already know what was possible. She also plans to promote VCU’s program for students with similar interests.
“For me personally, I want to spread more awareness about community-based program development and what it means,” she said.
While she was hesitant when she first learned she had been nominated, she quickly realized it was an honor and yet another way to do the work she loved. She reached out to Emily Edwards, M.P.H.’25, who served as an ambassador last year. Edwards gave her the rundown of the opportunity and provided helpful guidance. The two had previously worked together in the Public Health Student Association (PHSA).
Get involved, build connections
Espinoza admits she wasn’t this involved in extracurriculars in undergrad or as outgoing. But being passionate about something like connecting with and improving her community has helped change her perspective. She suggests her fellow students get involved in community service. It’s a great way to build connections with people, she explains, and to see first-hand what the needs are and how to advocate for change.
This year, Espinoza has appropriately taken on the role of Service Chair for the PHSA and wants to encourage students to be involved and go to the meetings. She explains it’s important to build relationships with the people there and understand they’re there to help you.
Categories MPH, News, Student success“If you see an email, read it. Be involved; take opportunities that are shared there. It led me to good things.”