We're excited to continue our series highlighting the 2024–2025 Wellness PHirst Ambassadors!
Each ambassador is making a meaningful impact by promoting wellness and supporting their peers. In our last feature, we introduced Maya, sharing her passion for epidemiology and how she plans to connect with her peers as an ambassador.
In our next spotlight, we sat down with Rihi Jain, a Master of Public Health (MPH) student with a concentration in Global Public Health, to discuss her public health journey and the significance of promoting and leading with wellness PHirst.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree and career in public health?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology & Neuroscience at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and I am super excited to be at the Rutgers School of Public Health!
I initially became interested in public health because of my experiences working as an emergency medical technician (EMT), which truly exemplified the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and health inequities. This led me to pursue my MPH in Global Public Health, and I plan to use it to improve the lives of medically underserved populations and communities.
Why did you decide to apply to be a Wellness PHirst Ambassador? How do you plan on connecting with your peers through this role?
I chose to be a Wellness PHirst Ambassador because I wanted the opportunity to impact overall student wellness at Rutgers School of Public Health.
Student wellness is a deeply nuanced concept, and I wanted to be a part of a team that helps promote all aspects of it. I hope to connect with my peers this year through both virtual and in-person programming designed to improve all of the pillars of wellness!
What are your interests outside of public health?
Outside of my public health studies, I work as an EMT. I have also been dancing for the last 18 years (and counting!), training in South-Asian and fusion dance styles; I currently teach Bollywood dance classes at the recreation center on the Piscataway campus.
I also love traveling, outdoor activities, and aquatic adventures!
