Juliana Campos Hu (Public Heath, ’19), expects to complete a Master of Public Health (MPH) in community health with a specialization in maternal, child, reproductive and sexual health at the CUNY School of Public Health & Health Policy in 2023. Ms. Campos Hu grew up in Brazil, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Portuguese and English translation and interpretation at the University Nove de Julho in Sao Paulo. After moving to New York, she worked as a nanny while completing her associate degree. “My coursework at BMCC made me confident I was equipped with enough theoretical and practical tools to join the workforce right after graduation,” says Ms. Campos Hu, who held an internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital in 2019, where she screened patients for health-related social needs. Next, she joined the staff at the AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC); first in the role of health educator and now as a youth program supervisor.
What is your favorite memory (professor, class, etc.) of BMCC?
I can’t say I have one favorite professor. Most of them have positively impacted my academic and professional paths in different ways. I’m forever thankful for their generosity in sharing so much knowledge and being sources of inspiration to many students. My favorite BMCC characteristic, more specifically the Health Education Dept., is the sense of community. I won’t ever forget the first time I went to Dr. Rennis’ office for my advisement session after switching majors from nursing to public health. It was such a welcoming and affirming environment! She was patient, caring and made me aware of all the resources available to the Health Education major students. I also met classmates who became critical components in my academic success. With lots of teamwork efforts, mutual support, and respect, I’m honored to say some of my classmates became friends I’ll have for life.
How did BMCC help you get where you are today?
My coursework at BMCC made me confident I was equipped with enough theoretical and practical tools to join the workforce right after graduation. The variety of classes also helped me to experiment within the vast public health field and find a career that matched my interests.
What advice do you have for today’s BMCC students?
Network! Get involved with school activities. Network some more. And don’t forget to get involved with school activities!
Unfortunately, I was working when I attended BMCC and couldn’t join many of the great events hosted at the school campuses during the day. They were great opportunities to meet fellow students and learn more about the faculty in your department. Please, get to know your professors and their areas of academic research. Some professors are involved in exciting research programs, and sometimes they need an extra hand. It’s a great way of getting some exposure to your field without leaving the campus.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. BMCC offers exceptional resources such as tutoring, writing support for assignments, resumes, cover letters, counseling, ESL, pantry, tax preparation, health insurance, and so much more!
Why is it important for alumni to stay involved with BMCC?
There’s a sense of gratitude for all the knowledge, and positive experiences lived while at BMCC. Alumni stories can be inspirational to current students and show proof of BMCC’s excellence.
