Working with HHREC has played a major role in both my personal and professional growth. I first became involved with HHREC in 2022 while attending University of California, Berkeley as a sophomore student who wanted to become more connected to community work and public  health. Through HHREC, I was able to move beyond what I learned in textbooks and gain hands-on experience working directly with people throughout Alameda County.

Over time, I have participated in HHREC programming as both a participant and facilitator, from youth health equity conferences, workforce development trainings, community outreach, event facilitation, health education presentations, and direct service work with youth, veterans, and community members. These experiences helped me better understand the real-life barriers many people face when trying to access healthcare, housing, employment, transportation, and other basic needs. It gave me a much deeper understanding of what community wellness really looks like beyond the classroom.

My time at HHREC strengthened my passion for nursing, public health, and serving communities in a more holistic way. Working directly with people showed me that healthcare is not just about treating symptoms, but also about listening to people, understanding their experiences, and helping them feel respected, supported, and heard. The experiences I gained through HHREC continue to shape the kind of nurse and healthcare professional I aspire to become.

HHREC also helped expand my long-term goals beyond bedside nursing. Through my experiences in community health, I became more interested in health education, advocacy, policy, and improving systems of care so they are more accessible and inclusive for everyone. I truly believe healthcare is a human right, and I hope to continue using both my education and lived experiences to advocate for patients and create meaningful change within healthcare spaces and the communities I serve.