Meet Glaiza Buenaflor, one of the first students to major in WSU’s newly introduced public health program.
As a first-year student from Santa Clara, California, Glaiza says she is excited to pursue a career focused on improving health outcomes and addressing systemic challenges. With an interest in epidemiology and biostatistics, she is drawn to the field’s potential to create lasting change through prevention, policy, and education. She is also passionate about promoting equity in health care and tackling issues like mental health, environmental health, and health disparities.
Why did you choose to major in public health?
I chose to major in public health because I’ve always felt fascinated by the idea of making a difference in the lives of others, especially when it comes to improving their well-being. Growing up, I noticed how some communities seemed to have more access to resources and better health outcomes than others, and I refuse to ignore the disparities. It sparked a desire to understand how public systems, policies, and education could be shaped to support healthier, more equitable lives for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The more I learn about public health, the more I realize it’s about more than just addressing immediate health issues. Since COVID-19, I’ve learned that it’s about creating sustainable change on a large scale. The idea that small, collective actions can have a huge impact on entire populations really resonates with me. Whether it’s preventing diseases, promoting mental health, or advocating for healthier environments, I want to be part of a movement that gives everyone, no matter where they’re from, a fair shot at living a healthy life.
Public health is also an intersection of so many areas—social justice, policy, science, and community building. It allows me to be both analytical and creative, problem-solving while also thinking about the bigger picture. And ultimately, it feels like the best way for me to contribute to creating a healthier world, not just in my own community, but globally.
What interests you most about the field of public health?
What interests me most about public health is its focus on prevention and the long-term impact it can have on communities. In many ways, public health feels like the foundation of all other health-related fields because it’s not just about treating illness, but about creating environments where people can thrive and avoid health issues in the first place. The idea that small changes—whether through policy, education, or social interventions—can ripple out and improve the lives of millions is something I find incredibly powerful, and somewhere I find myself succeeding in.
I’m especially fascinated by how public health integrates so many aspects of society—education, behavior, economics, environment, and culture—all working together to shape the health of populations. The ability to address health inequalities and advocate for those who may not have a voice really drives me. It’s about thinking beyond the individual and considering how we can create systems that support the health of everyone, no matter their background.
The fact that public health is so interdisciplinary keeps me engaged—it’s never static. From emerging diseases to mental health awareness to the impacts of climate change, the challenges are constantly evolving, and that’s what makes this field both challenging and exciting. I love that it’s about real-world solutions that can bring tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Are there any issues or challenges in public health that you are passionate about addressing?
One of the issues that stands out to me is health disparities—how people’s health outcomes are often shaped by factors like socioeconomic status, race, geography, and access to resources. I’ve always been driven by the idea that everyone should have the same opportunity to live a healthy life, but we know that’s not the case for many people. I want to help bridge that gap, whether it’s through advocating for better health care access, promoting health education in underserved communities, or working to reduce the social determinants of health that contribute to these disparities.
Mental health is another issue that really resonates with me. For a long time, mental health has been stigmatized, and people who struggle with mental health conditions often don’t have the support they need. I’m passionate about changing that—raising awareness, promoting mental health education, and ensuring that mental health services are as accessible as physical health services.
Lastly, environmental health and its links to public health are things I’m eager to explore. With climate change becoming a larger global issue, the effects on health are becoming more apparent—whether it’s through increased respiratory issues, the spread of vector-borne diseases, or the mental toll of environmental disasters. Addressing these issues requires innovative solutions and a deep understanding of how the environment and public health intersect, and I’m excited about the potential for policy changes and preventative actions to make a difference.
Ultimately, my passion comes from wanting to ensure that health is not a privilege, but a right everyone has equal access to—no matter their background, location, or situation.
What are your career goals or aspirations with this degree?
With a degree in public health, my career goal is to work on creating and implementing policies or initiatives that address health inequities and improve access to care for underserved populations. I’m particularly interested in public health advocacy and community-based interventions that focus on long-term, sustainable change. I’d love to be involved in shaping public health policy, working with local governments, or collaborating with non-profits to develop programs that not only tackle immediate health issues but also address the root causes of health disparities.
I also aspire to engage in research that can inform effective health strategies, especially in areas like mental health, chronic disease prevention, and environmental health. Understanding the data and translating that into actionable solutions is something I’m deeply interested in.
Ultimately, I’d like to work in a role where I can both influence policy and be on the ground, engaging directly with communities to make sure that health interventions are reaching the people who need them the most. I see my future in public health to be a part of a movement for systemic change—whether it’s through policy reform, advocacy, or education—to create a world where better health outcomes are possible for everyone, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
In addition to my goals in policy and community work, one of my key aspirations with this degree is to contribute to vaccine development. Vaccines have played a pivotal role in reducing global disease burden, and I am deeply interested in the science behind creating vaccines that can prevent not only infectious diseases but also the inequities that make certain populations more vulnerable. I’d love to be involved in research and development, particularly in finding ways to make vaccines more accessible to underserved regions where they are most needed.
Vaccines are such a powerful tool in public health, and I see them as a critical part of addressing global health disparities. The ability to contribute to the development of vaccines, whether for emerging diseases or tackling ongoing challenges like childhood diseases or even cancer, is something I find both inspiring and motivating. The goal is to ensure that vaccines reach the populations that need them the most and are distributed equitably, helping to create a healthier future for everyone.