HICH ALUMNI
Read the words of wisdom and join the Facebook group to connect with alumni individually. Click on their name or image to learn more about them and their HICH journeys!
Trust the process and try not to overthink the future! Self-doubt is your biggest enemy. With enough ambition and commitment (and with a strong support system by your side), you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
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Believe in yourself and be your own best advocate! It's easier said than done, but it's important to build yourself up throughout college. Take care of yourself and set boundaries that will allow you to be happy, healthy, and engaged with the work you are doing! Undergrad can be difficult for everyone, and it's easy to start feeling like you're not doing enough... DON'T LISTEN TO THAT VOICE IN YOUR HEAD!! You are amazing, and your unique voice/talents/skills are so needed in this world! Once you find the causes or projects that speak to you, go after them fully and don't look back :) It doesn't matter if what you're doing is 'non-traditional' or if you take a different path than others, your story is yours! Own it, and be proud of yourself because you've already made it so far.
Don't be afraid to try new things or pursue an interest 'alone'! You may find that is where your interests/passions lie and befriend people with shared values/vibes who you otherwise might not have met. Imposter syndrome is real, but you are here because you are capable! Advocacy for others starts with advocating for your own abilities and understanding who you are; that's how you know your 'why' and 'how' in serving others.
2021
GRADUATES
Give 100% of yourself in each and every situation. Instead of compartmentalizing your life, try to draw from all your strengths and experiences at once, every time. Even if all you want to do is talk about fish tanks or coffee, it's the culmination of every aspect of your narrative that engages people in meetings, improves your own understanding and enjoyment of the project, and creates the best ideas.
Take some time to smell the roses! We tend to always think about what we have to do next, but college goes by fast -- faster than we would like. Use the time you have to be curious, ask questions, step out of your comfort zone, make new friends, and most importantly, find your passion/hobby/leisure activity and take time for yourself! Enjoy the little moments, find ways to grow as a human, and never be afraid to learn <3
Try not to pursue something just because others in your field are pursuing it or because it will look good on your resume. Pursue things that you have an interest in and that you are passionate about - it’ll carry you much farther in life than just another bullet point on your resume.
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Always get involved! Don't be afraid to venture out and learn about new experiences. You never know what other opportunities are available to you. Another thing is service. Service is a great way to give back to the community and it is very fulfilling. Lastly, always stick with HICH! They are such great people who make sure that you are involved and included.
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This organization has so many opportunities to really get out and benefit the community! I only wish I had joined sooner to participate in one of the existing projects.
If I had known that HICH existed earlier, it would have been a wise decision to join. The workshops that HICH provides have opened my eyes and helped me develop as an individual and as a professional.
Words of wisdom to younger members of HICH would be to enjoy every second you get and spread the knowledge you gain to others.
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Christina Shibu
No matter your major, you can still positively impact community health!
While it's important to work hard in pursuit of your goals, remember to take care of yourself along the way. Take breaks when you can, spend time with your loved ones and be kind to yourself. Everything will work out in due time.
Choose which hills you want to die on. (Basically, pick your battles wisely. There's only so much you can fight for before you lose yourself too!)
Take care of your academics but don't forget to enjoy life and the connections with people.
2020
GRADUATES
Karina George
Maybe this isn’t particularly wise, but occasionally, doing things your parents don’t want you to do can be a valuable learning experience! Take risks and be open to change and learning!
Christine Pham
The world is so much greater than you can imagine and you are capable of far more than you think. Don't forget your support system and leave things better for those who come after you.
Nicholas Nguyen
It's perfectly normal to feel like the project isn't fully formed. It helps to get feedback from multiple sources to get a better understanding of any shortcomings.
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You can find inspiration in the most unconventional of places, but it can take some time. Just keep at it!
Asha Marchant
For those entering the medical professions and trying to apply to medical or graduate school, make it apparent that you have experience in community health!
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Many of my classmates do not have the prior knowledge and experience I have with the concepts surrounding public health, so it made a more competitive applicant and a stronger student in those subjects!
Fatema Shipchandler
Students looking to make a meaningful impact on the health of our community - look no further than HICH!
Sabine Meyer Hill
Tiffany Lim
Don't be afraid to branch out and try something new-- that's how I got involved with HICH and public health! You never know what little tidbits are gonna stick with you, so don't be afraid to take the first step to get there :)
2019
GRADUATES
Dane Hall
Work to keep good people in your life. We can build a better world if we fight hard and smart.
Alyssa Nguyen
Treasure all of your experiences through undergrad and live in the moment. I know for me, it sometimes felt like I had a big checklist of all of the things I needed to accomplish before I graduated.
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It was definitely overwhelming applying to med school as well. Just keep in mind that this is one of the most unique moments of your life, so soak it all in! The memories you make here (good or bad) will remain with you long after you graduate.
Athulya Johnson
2018
GRADUATES
Abel Chacko
College is more than just finishing your classes, its about building the skills to make networks and lead projects.
MatthewJoseph
Don't forget to care for yourself. If you're sacrificing your own future for the sake of others, ultimately you'll do yourself and those you serve a disservice.
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Burnout and being spread too thin are very real risks for those who serve while as students.
Fatemeh Mirghassemi
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2017
GRADUATES
