Joaquin Guzman

Degree: Bachelor of Science, Public Health; Master of Science, Public Health
Hometown: Aurora, Illinois

What was your favorite moment during your time at Loyola?
There are honestly so many comparably great moments to choose from. If I had to pick one, it’d have to be becoming part of a research team with one of my professors. The application of everything I had been learning into practice caused a mental shift in how I perceived Loyola. Suddenly, I was motivated to absorb every piece of knowledge the faculty had to share. We were contributing to the academic field, which was such a rewarding experience.

What will you miss the most?
I’m going to miss the community at Loyola the most. There were so many ways for me to foster relationships, whether through classes, study groups, office hours, clubs, or casual hangouts. I’ll miss how easy it was to create plans on the fly and have everyone get together. Being able to study right by the lake was also a plus..

What are you doing next?
I plan to continue my current internships as a surveillance coordinator at Chicago Public Schools and as a research assistant for Loyola while I begin my job search. However, I have a strong desire to share my knowledge with others. Whether this involves pursuing a PhD or exploring other paths, I’m keeping my options open.

What advice do you have for the incoming class?
Adopt an optimistic mindset and be interested in random things because everything you learn or do is bound to help you in some way. Try to get out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to explore everything Loyola has to offer. Having study groups and a source of social support is so useful when classwork becomes stringent. Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out. Embrace uncertainty as a part of your journey.