A Hard Year, A New Beginning

This year was heavy for public health; Federal programs were cut, budgets shrank, hiring slowed, and uncertainty reached everyone. People with decades in the field felt it, and new graduates and early-to mid-career professionals like me felt it, too. The uncertainty became a shared reality across the field. As the year ends, I keep thinking about how much can change in twelve months.

Graduating with my MPH was supposed to feel like a new beginning, but the transition turned out to be more challenging than I expected the job market has been unpredictable. I applied to countless epidemiologist positions, the path I’ve been aiming for, and although I met the qualifications, the competition was insurmountably intense. I questioned the timing of everything. I wondered why starting my new beginning as a public health professional felt so out of reach, even though I thought I had done everything right.

During my unemployment, I constantly rewrote my resume and checked my emails, hoping for good news. I took a job in medical records when I needed stability, even though it wasn’t where I pictured myself. I learned that a career path doesn’t always start where you want it to; sometimes you begin in unexpected places.

Public health programs teach us many things, but they don’t teach us how to network. As a first-generation Latina, I found learning to network intimidating. I didn’t know how to introduce myself or what a professional conversation should sound like. I didn’t practice any of it until after I left my medical records job. That was when I realized I needed to learn how to connect with people. I joined a mentorship program. I put myself in spaces I usually avoided. It was uncomfortable, but it helped.

Then, when I least expected it, I got a message.The founder of a nonprofit reached out with a simple “Hi” after noticing my consistent engagement with her LinkedIn posts. I had been reacting to her content, leaving comments, and learning more about the work her organization was doing. When I saw her message, I knew I couldn’t ignore it.

I responded with a message I had been wanting to say but was nervous to send:

“Hi, thank you for your message. I saw your recent post and thought it was such an important space to share in. How are you? I’ve really enjoyed learning more about your organization and the work you’re leading since connecting.”

If you’ve been hesitating to reach out or send something, take the chance. You never know what might open up for you.

That moment led me to a position in public health. I’m grateful for it, especially in a year when public health jobs have been so challenging to secure. Someone saw potential in me and gave me a chance. This role is a beginning, a step forward, and part of my path toward becoming an epidemiologist. I’m learning to appreciate progress, even when it looks different from what I imagined.

As we enter a new year, public health is challenging right now, but we are still learning, adapting, and finding our way. If you are ending this year tired or unsure, I hope you remember that your degree matters, your story matters, and you are not behind. You are becoming.

The new year brings clarity, courage, and opportunities that meet you with the same heart you bring to this field. And I hope you trust that even in uncertainty, your path is still leading somewhere meaningful.

Aquí seguimos. Together. ¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!