Julian Rodriguez (17C, 20R), is a College alum and a current student at Rollins School of Public Health.
We had a chance to sit down with Julian and ask him a few questions about his pre-health journey.
1.
What helped guide you to where you are
now?
I have had several formative experiences throughout my
academic and professional career, and in each of these experiences, the
presence of a mentor was essential to my path. Having the opportunity to join
the Lab of Vector Ecology as an undergraduate and travel for research made me
realize that public health was a very enriching and viable way to be involved
in health. My mentor and advisor helped me create a path where I could turn
those skills into practice. Taking a gap year to work after graduation was also
a significant experience. On the one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed working with
communities and being able to advance public health efforts in my home. On the
other, it made me realize that I needed an MPH in order to increase my
footprint. Which is why I am here a few weeks away from graduation. In all, it
is important to be present and mindful throughout your journey; to use every
experience as a steppingstone, learning just as much from the negatives than
from the positives.
2.
What do you wish you knew 5 years ago?
I wish I knew how wide the world of health actually is. I
grew up with the idea that my only option for having an impactful career in
healthcare was being a doctor. However, there are a many paths people can take
when interested in making a career in health.
3.
If
you could start over, what would you change?
However cliché this may sound, I would not change a thing.
Not because it has been a perfect path (it has not), but because every
challenge I overcame and every mistake I made was instrumental to getting where
I am today. The important thing is not to think about what you would change,
but learn to appreciate how every moment has helped shaped who you are and who
you will become.
4.
Did you have a specific mentor that
inspired you to get to where you are now?
Definitely. Finding and fostering a strong relationship with
a mentor is so important in the process of defining your career. It is also not
just one mentor; throughout every phase of your life and every experience,
identify someone whom you can share your thoughts, bounce ideas, and simply
serve as a supporter and advocate of your goals.
5.
What challenges did you face and how did
you overcome them?
When switching gears
and paths you will find yourself in unknown and perhaps uncomfortable
situations. This can be daunting. When you are in an environment where the
everything seems unknown, it can be difficult to feel comfortable contributing
and asking questions. You may start to question whether you fit in with this
group of people at all. However, it is in these moments where we stand to grow
the most. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed by an unfamiliar situation or
environment, I remember that I made it this far for a reason, and being here is
a testament to my drive and hard work.
6.
What is the best advice you could give
someone pursuing the same track as you?
The best advice I can give is to not compare yourself with
others. It is very easy to fall into this habit, especially given the amount of
exposure we have to others’ activities and successes. Everyone has their own
path and moves at their own pace. Just because one person met certain goals earlier
does not mean you are behind.