The Belonging Fellowship Scholarship helped Della Fisher overcome the challenges of being a non-traditional student and gave her the opportunities to research and teach in public health. With her passion for community impact, Fisher is now pursuing a Master’s degree to continue creating change.
Despite not being a traditional student at BYU, Della Fisher overcame challenges to make a lasting impact in public health.
Fisher began her college journey as a single mom and settled down after getting married. After raising seven children and spending 20 years as a stay-at-home mom, she returned to school to complete her education.
While pursuing public health at BYU, Fisher was awarded the Belonging Fellowship scholarship. As a recipient, Fisher was given the opportunity to work with Dr. Evan Thacker on research and projects.
“I was so happy to have received the scholarship,” she said. “It was difficult being a non-traditional student surrounded by younger, smarter, and faster students.”
Fisher was able to complete research on epilepsy and depression among the elderly with Dr. Thacker and presented their findings at the Gerontology conference at BYU.
Beyond research, Fisher worked as a TA for Dr. Thacker and two other professors, solidifying her place in the public health field.
Before graduating, Fisher also had an internship with the Utah State Department of Health as an enteric disease investigator, where she tracked and interviewed patients with foodborne illnesses.
Now, Fisher is pursuing a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies at Southern Utah University, with emphases in nonprofit management, public administration, and national parks and public lands.
With these skills, Fisher hopes to work within either the public or private sector to create lasting changes in communities.
Through everything that she has been through, Fisher still prioritizes the health and well-being of others. Looking back to where she first started, Fisher advises others to keep going.
“My advice is to not give up, to find your passion, to go where you’re guided, and that it’s okay to still be figuring things out,” Fisher said.