Since transferring from Hartford Community College to the UMD School of Public Health, Lahna Hall, who graduated this Spring in public health practice, has always been passionate about the health of her community. Hall’s decision to pursue a career in public health was driven largely by her involvement as a student wellness ambassador and in several student organizations that promote health across campus.
“Advocating for student wellness and connecting with peers and instructors as a college student is the best and the most direct way to have an impact on people and the community's health and well-being,” Hall said. “You can make a bigger impact than you think.”
Hall was a member of Eta Sigma Gamma, the UMD chapter of a national organization that promotes health education. She also served as a student intern for the Office of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement (O-PHPCE), where she helped plan various events including activities for National Public Health Week and supported community partners such as WeFitDC to apply public health frameworks to their work. Hall describes the internship as a great experience which also helped her move from the classroom to the workforce.
“Lahna has been a phenomenal addition to the Office of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement,” said SPH Assistant Dean Tracy Zeeger, co-director of O-PHPCE and director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, which houses the public health practice major. “Her inquisitiveness reflects her thirst for knowledge and desire to become a successful public health practitioner.
“Lahna seamlessly fit into the office's fabric, connecting well with our community partners and providing well thought out deliverables. She’s a wonderful example of how a student can use their exceptional education in public health practice to achieve change. She will go on to do great things in the world!”
Hall plans on working in the field of community health with a focus on community engagement.
For future SPH students she has some good advice: “Stay motivated and don't give up on your passions and why you chose the major. There are so many incredible pathways this program can lead you to, so be open to anything,” Hall said. “We're all in it together.”
– Sumaya Abdel-Motagaly