Zoe Schuh pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health after initially planning to study nursing in high school. While reflecting on the kind of work she truly wanted to do, Zoe realized she was most drawn to prevention, advocacy, and addressing the broader factors that shape health and wellbeing. Although she did not know much about public health at first, she quickly discovered how expansive and interdisciplinary the field could be.
“Public health centered around preventative measures, health advocacy, and its ability to be intertwined with practically all other fields,” Zoe said. “That’s what made me want to stick with it.”
As a first-generation college student, Zoe described entering college as both exciting and intimidating. Navigating higher education often felt like stepping into the unknown, and at times she questioned whether she truly belonged. Throughout her journey, support programs at both Portland Community College (PCC) and Portland State University (PSU) became instrumental in helping her build confidence and community.
“I think entering college as a first-generation student is an intimidating path to take,” she said. “Programs such as PCC’s Future Connect program alongside PSU’s TRIO and Milestone program have been huge sources of support for me.”
Zoe credits those programs, along with the staff and advisors behind them, with helping make college feel more manageable and less overwhelming. She especially appreciated having mentors and advocates who encouraged her throughout her academic journey and helped her navigate challenges along the way.
Family has also played a central role in Zoe’s success. She shared that her parents and sisters have continually supported and encouraged her during stressful moments throughout school.
“My mom, dad, and sisters are part of the reason why I’ll be completing my degree,” she said. “Whenever I’ve felt stressed out about school, they always know how to cheer me up.”
In addition to her family, Zoe highlighted several mentors who made a meaningful impact on her experience at the OHSU PSU School of Public Health, including Student Success Program Coordinator Noni Villalobos and TRIO Advisor Orlando Gaeta.
“Noni Villalobos has been incredibly kind and helpful to me, and Orlando Gaeta has been very encouraging and supportive of my academic journey,” she said.
Following graduation, Zoe plans to spend several years working full-time to gain professional experience and continue developing her skills. She has been applying for positions at OHSU and hopes to eventually work in a role supporting students, faculty, or staff through project coordination and administrative work. While graduate school may be part of her future plans, Zoe is currently focused on gaining real-world experience before returning to academia. Outside of her professional goals, Zoe is also looking forward to traveling internationally for the first time in the coming years.