November 27, 2023

Pursuing a degree within the Dornsife School of Public Health intrigued Angela Tung, BS in Public Health, minor in Biological Sciences ‘24, after connecting with a friend who was working for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Learning about the impact public health practitioners could have on the health of populations as a whole aligned with her goals for the future. “She inspired me to pursue public health because of its different aspects in being able to create better general health for individuals,” Tung shared. 

Now in her fourth year at Drexel University, Tung has a strong basis of what direction she hopes to take her career in public health. “I plan to use my degree to work with patients directly and advance research in a hospital setting,” she said. “I also hope to work within a maternal and child health department to help create a better future for families."

In support of her public health coursework, Tung's public health co-op helped to broaden her understanding of global health and challenges within healthcare systems that persist abroad and here in the U.S. She completed her co-op at the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International during her junior year. The organization helps foreign-educated nurses and other allied health professionals live and work in their country of choice by assessing and validating their academic and professional credentials.

“I helped immigrants trying to make a better life for themselves. At times, these people are faced with incredible hardships such as language or financial barriers. CGFNS International helps to provide some guidance and gives them a better chance to overcome these barriers,” Tung shared. 

While growing up, Tung recalls never quite pinpointing what occupation she saw herself pursuing but always telling her parents she simply wanted to “help people.” Drexel gave her the direction she hoped for. “The university gives so much potential to those who simply can’t wait to get out there and start showing the world what knowledge can do,” she said.

After graduation, Tung hopes to secure a role in the health care sector of public health. As she gains more experience, she plans to apply to master's in public health (MPH) programs to open even more doors in the field.

“I'm excited to finally proceed with what I once said, 'help people,' and put that into action for my future and the future of public health!”

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