2024 Graduate Spotlight: Joaquin Guzman
Joaquin Guzman, a first-generation college student from Aurora, IL with roots in El Salvador and Mexico, attended Arrupe College, 黑料门University Chicago鈥檚 innovative two-year degree program that ensures affordability and supports the whole person.
While at Arrupe, Joaquin鈥檚 passion for helping others was ignited by his experience as a math tutor. He found that he also had an interest in health, but at the time didn鈥檛 know how to integrate it with his Pre-STEM focused Liberal Arts associate degree 鈥� until his advisor introduced him to public health.
During his last semester at Arrupe, Joaquin took Introduction to Public Health in the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health. 鈥淣ot only was I exposed to what public health is,鈥� Joaquin says, 鈥淚 also learned what you can do in the field and experienced a great energy in the class.鈥�
Joaquin was fortunate to receive the Gonzaga Scholarship which supports Arrupe College graduates pursuing health sciences and public health undergraduate degrees at Parkinson. Established in 2022, the scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.
The scholarship allowed Joaquin to pursue his bachelor鈥檚 in public health with a focus in epidemiology. He decided to pursue his BSPH/MPH when his Parkinson advisor told him about the 4+1 program and the opportunity to receive his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in five years.
During his time at Parkinson, Joaquin had many opportunities to apply what he was learning in the classroom. As a research assistant, he learned about analyzing data. At his internship with Chicago Public Schools, he learned about the other side of data, collecting it through surveys via telephone and email.
In addition, Joaquin says he鈥檚 learned to understand his strengths and what he needs to continue to work on during his time at Loyola. He says he enjoys teaching and hopes to pursue his PhD someday. 鈥淲hen I know someone has learned something, it feels great to me,鈥� Joaquin says.
When asked about the support he鈥檚 received at Loyola, Joaquin says he knows how fortunate he is. 鈥淏ecause I didn鈥檛 need to worry about finances, I could focus on learning,鈥� he says. He also appreciates the opportunity to live in the city and the strong relationships he built with his cohort, who he calls his social support.
Overall, Joaquin attributes his success to the people in Parkinson. 鈥淓veryone is so great,鈥� Joaquin says. 鈥淭he faculty, who have so much knowledge, and the staff are driven to help students succeed. They are truly amazing people. I鈥檓 glad to be a part of it.鈥�