51视频

Public health major Stephanie Nicum didn鈥檛 expect to take on leadership positions at 51视频 (UML).

鈥淚 found opportunities and connections at 51视频 that encouraged me to pursue leadership roles and become deeply involved in campus life,鈥� says Nicum, who graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire.

A member of the River Hawk Scholars Academy, which provides support for first-generation college students, Nicum was inspired by her classmates to get more involved on campus.

Nicum became a student alumni ambassador and a resident advisor. During her sophomore and junior years, she served as senator-at-large for the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences and finance chair of the Student Government Association.

These experiences encouraged her to run for student trustee, a representative of the university who serves on the UMass system鈥檚 board of trustees. Nicum won with more than 58% of the votes. In this one-year position, she engages with student government, campus organizations and student groups to gather input and represent diverse perspectives at the board level.

鈥淭hese roles have given me a deeper connection to the campus community and have been some of the most rewarding parts of my UML journey,鈥� says Nicum, who also spoke at Convocation for first-year and transfer students. 鈥淢y leadership experiences have also enhanced my public health education at UML and taught me invaluable lessons, giving me confidence to pursue a career in public health.鈥�

Originally a biology major, Nicum enjoyed her Introduction to Public Health course so much that she switched majors to public health, a field that combines her passion for science with her desire to make a tangible impact on communities.

鈥淚鈥檓 interested in public health research and education, how health care systems function and how we can address health disparities within communities,鈥� says Nicum. 鈥淧ublic health is a versatile degree that can translate into many different careers in nutrition, epidemiology, infectious disease and health education.鈥�

Nicum also landed an internship at the Blum Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, which provides patients and families with health information resources.聽

鈥淢y experience at UML has been incredible,鈥� Nicum says. 鈥淚鈥檝e had amazing professors who are passionate about what they do, courses that challenge me to think critically and supportive peers who inspire me.鈥澛犅�