Rutgers School of Public Health Wellness PHirst Ambassador Riddhi Pandya shares how her nursing background, commitment to preventive care, and passion for community wellness shape her public health journey
At the Rutgers School of Public Health, the Office for Student Experiences, Public Health Practice, and Alumni Affairs advances the school’s commitment to cultivating a culture of health and well-being through its various initiatives, including the Wellness PHirst program. Designed to integrate wellness practices into every aspect of the school community – among students, faculty, and staff – the program promotes the Dimensions of Wellness: cultural, social-emotional, occupational, intellectual, creative, environmental, physical, spiritual, and financial.
As part of this effort, the Wellness PHirst Ambassadors play an essential role in bringing these dimensions to life. These student leaders mentor their peers, promote wellness resources, and co-facilitate programs and initiatives that enhance engagement, connection, and belonging across the Rutgers School of Public Health community.
Among them is Riddhi Pandya, a Master of Public Health (MPH) student in Global Public Health. Here, she shares how nursing led her to public health, why she chose to become a Wellness PHirst Ambassador, and what brings her joy beyond the classroom.
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Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
My name is Riddhi Pandya, and I was born and raised in India. My passion for caring for others began in childhood, inspired by watching my father, a physician, serve his patients with compassion and dedication. I vividly remember celebrating my birthdays in underprivileged communities, which taught me empathy, social awareness, and the importance of inclusion from a young age. Those experiences shaped my commitment to working toward the betterment of communities.
I began taking small steps early on — demonstrating health promotion and disease prevention techniques and even creating educational infographic posters (sometimes modeling for them myself!). After completing my Bachelor’s in Nursing, I started working in a hospital, where I began noticing patterns in patients’ illnesses. I realized that many conditions were deeply influenced by preventable behavioral, social, environmental, and occupational factors. This strengthened my belief in addressing problems at their root cause rather than only treating them at the surface level.
Pursuing my Master of Public Health has allowed me to connect my clinical experience with population-level strategies and preventive approaches. My primary areas of interest include mental health, cancer and chronic disease prevention, and environmental health. My long-term goal is to bridge clinical care and public health strategy to create meaningful, sustainable impact in communities.
Why did you choose to become a Wellness PHirst Ambassador?
Pursuing my Master of Public Health has allowed me to connect my clinical experience with population-level strategies and preventive approaches... My long-term goal is to bridge clinical care and public health strategy to create meaningful, sustainable impact in communities.
Riddhi Pandya
Master of Public Health Student and Wellness PHirst Ambassador
I understand that wellness extends far beyond physical health — it encompasses emotional, financial, intellectual, environmental, occupational, social, and spiritual well-being. I chose to become a Wellness PHirst Ambassador to deepen my understanding of these interconnected dimensions and to intentionally integrate them into my own life while supporting those around me.
Becoming a Wellness PHirst Ambassador felt like a natural extension of my public health training. This role provides me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge, design and implement wellness initiatives for fellow students, and actively engage in creating a healthier campus environment. It also strengthens my leadership and communication skills, which are essential for my growth as a future public health professional. Serving as an ambassador aligns closely with my commitment to promoting holistic wellness and empowering others to adopt healthier lifestyles.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your academic and professional life?
Beyond academics, I find joy in exploring the many colors of life. I love traveling, listening to music, singing, painting, engaging in arts and crafts, playing sports, and even spending quiet time gardening. I often say I love trying everything — even if I’m not perfect at it — because for me, the beauty lies in the experience and the creativity it brings. I have a special appreciation for heritage, traditional, and vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories, both Indian and from other cultures, as they carry stories and history within them.
I deeply cherish the time I spend with my family and friends, as those relationships ground and inspire me. Above all, I hold a strong faith in God and spirituality, which guides my values, nurtures my resilience, and brings balance to my journey.
