Emily Nunez's journey into public health was made possible through the Belonging Fellowship Scholarship, which opened doors to countless opportunities in the field. From working with LDS Charities to pursuing hands-on experiences, Nunez has been able to explore different areas of public health and prepare for her future in PA school.
For as long as she can remember, Emily Nunez aspired to be involved in healthcare. While her parents encouraged her to become a doctor, Nunez discovered her true passion in public health.
“Coming from an immigrant family, it was expected that I would do something good with my life,” Nunez said. “Something like being a doctor.”
However, when she found public health, she realized it was the right track for her. She saw the impact of addressing healthcare from a broader, systemic perspective.
“Public health allowed me to address different struggles and policies in America,” she said.
After making the switch, Nunez received the Belonging Fellowship Scholarship, which gave her the opportunity to engage in various public health experiences. Through partnerships with organizations like LDS Charities, she gained hands-on experience in the field.
To Nunez, the key to success is involvement.
“Just get involved,” she said. “The reason I got this scholarship and the reason I obtained different opportunities was because I reached out to professors.”
She emphasized that success is not about being the smartest or most prestigious – it’s about being willing to pursue opportunities.
As a Belonging Fellowship recipient, Nunez embraces challenges. This summer, she plans to work at a clinic in Chicago to gain further experience for PA school, continuing her commitment to making a difference in public health.