By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Luz Hernandez, APU Alumna
Living in a tough South Bronx neighborhood, Luz Hernandez had to grow up at an early age. That experience inspired her to actively care for other people, which led to her decision to eventually pursue a master’s degree in public health at the University.
“Knowledge is power. In the healthcare field, it takes a lot of empathy and a lot of sacrifice, and you will get burnt out.
“But it is rewarding knowing you created an impact on someone’s life. That impact could mean helping out one person, and they will remember you the rest of their lives,” Luz says.
Finding Her Place in Public Health
Luz first decided to study nursing with Hunter College in New York, but it didn’t feel like the right fit. “I jumped from nursing to pre-med to psychology, and I ended up with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology,” she notes.
However, Luz knew she still wanted to be part of the healthcare world. “I asked my old social worker from Hunter College, ‘Where can I go now to get a public health degree?’”
After researching public health programs, Luz came across the master of public health program with APU. “It was the best decision I ever made. I learned so much. All I ever did was talk about public health to everyone, and they never got tired of listening to me.”
Helping Her Community
“My MPH degree helped me see life at a microscopic level in addition to my anthropology lens. I now understand how air pollution, water pollution, built environments, diseases, disaster relief, jail and prison systems, politics, policy making, and advocacy work hand in hand,” Luz adds.
Luz’s experience and knowledge helped her to create a proposal called Project Beloved, an alternative to incarceration. This proposal was submitted to the Brooklyn and Manhattan District Attorney’s office, defense counsel, and other elected officials. The proposal is currently awaiting action from local investors.
The proposal represented the creation of a public policy to help teenagers in the 16-17 age range impacted by New York’s Raise the Age legislation.
Luz is also involved with Freedom Agenda, designed to support locals in the criminal justice system who need help. Freedom Agenda has a grassroots outreach program to gather signatures for a petition and to sign people up to become members. Freedom Agenda members like Luz join meetings, rallies, and events in the community to aid in the reform of the incarceration system in New York City.
Advice for Future Healthcare Advocates
The healthcare system will always require workers, and Luz has some advice for the next generation of healthcare advocates.
“I would tell people seeking this career to embrace the flexibility and never take the knowledge you have for granted. You never know how useful that knowledge will be in your lifetime in addition to your own experience,” she observes.
“Being able to see things at a microscopic level and truthfully see all the flaws, the biases, and other variables, you are able to dissect the entire world and negotiate with the world better.”
Luz’s career path is not meant for the faint of heart. Consistence, humility, and accountability – as well as having an open mind – are the keys to her success.
“Be authentic and be yourself every step of the way. Forget about if they’re judging you – just know if they’re talking about you, you’re poppin’! Stand out from the rest.”
About the Author
John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 16 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.
About Our Department
The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.
As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.
If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with alumni@apus.edu and speak with a team member.
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