During my early college years, I embarked on an exploratory academic journey, seeking my academic path. Eventually, I committed to Community Health Education as my major. Despite encountering occasional challenges managing the workload, I developed a deep bond with the subject, balancing both admiration and frustration. I discovered a profound interest in research, delving into peer-reviewed articles and expanding my knowledge significantly. My focus evolved towards educating underserved communities about health disparities, facilitating accessible interventions, and conducting impactful research.

My tenure at MiOra expanded my grasp of public health, a field previously unfamiliar to me. Through this remote internship, I acquired crucial skills—effective communication, collaboration, email etiquette, literature analysis, and manuscript creation—integral to a career in public health. This experience deepened my understanding of crucial health topics like clinical trial diversity and women’s cancers, particularly ovarian and endometrial cancer. Exploring articles on these subjects was enlightening, underscoring the need for comprehensive research in addressing critical health issues. It also fueled my passion for advocating for solutions to enhance public health.

Participating in group projects at MiOra was invaluable, allowing me to collaborate with diverse educational backgrounds and build connections with mentors. This internship significantly enriched my learning and growth, aligning perfectly with my aspirations for a career in the field of public health.

Rheanne Bergenholtz, BS in Community Health Education, CSULB, 2023