Aubrey Arteaga, MPH

"Fueled by Fear: Recent Grad Persisting as a First-Generation Public Health Worker"

Recent graduate from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, earning his master's degree concentrating on adolescent and young adult health. Recent work includes development and implementation of a teen mentorship program, partnering with Camp Dreamcatcher in Pennsylvania. This therapeutic summer camp engages children and youth whose lives have been impacted by HIV personally or by loved one.

Learning Objectives:

1) Identifying and adapting to fear By sharing my personal experience and journey to pursuing higher academics, the result is satisfying, a recent master's graduate from Johns Hopkins (JH) University. However, much less talked about is the relationship fear may have on many considering or pursuing higher education. I advocate for developing and maintaining a relationship with your mental health, structured by SMART goals. 2) Navigating the public health curriculum and investing in community or on-the-ground experience Discussion on navigating a part-time graduate program and full-time public health research/Community Health worker role at JH. Learning government funding streams and compliance through HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS program Clinical Quality Management (CQM) program development. Opportunity to participate as a camp counselor at a nearby summer camp program for children and youth that have experienced a connection to HIV. Taking other opportunities to join Latina/o high school mentorship groups, table at community events and build other connections in the community. 3) Next Steps: Leveraging Experience, Network and Opportunities How working full-time allowed me to apply my curriculum to real world experiences. Using the practicum as an opportunity to apply for grant funding. Using my capstone project as the foundation for developing a teen mentorship program with Camp Dreamcatcher. Fear still plays a role as a recent graduate but trusting your experience to lead your journey forward.

Fueled by Fear Transcript