Graduating senior embodies how Mason prepares students to be global leaders
The College of Health and Human Services is proud to congratulate Magaly Cabrera-Ortiz on receiving a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in the Czech Republic. Cabrera-Ortiz graduates in May 2022 with her Bachelor of Science in Global and Community Health.
Each year, a select group of students are chosen from thousands of applicants for this prestigious honor to conduct research, pursue graduate studies, or serve as English Teaching Assistants in one of the 140 countries that partner with the
鈥淭he Fulbright experience is a good use of a gap year while I apply to medical school,鈥 said Cabrera-Ortiz. 鈥淎s a minority student, I always want to go further and pave the way for other students. It鈥檚 going to be a good experience because I鈥檝e never been to Europe.鈥
What Does It Take to Earn a Fulbright?
For her specific program, Cabrera-Ortiz will be working as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) at in the Czech Republic. In addition to exceptional academic performance, Fulbright Scholars are students who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a desire to use this experience for the betterment of their communities.
A natural leader, she plans to draw upon her experience as the president of Patriots for Health Assistance, a health care volunteer, and a program organizer of the Honors College Recruitment Team; working at the Athletic and Fitness Center; and being an AVID Tutor and an assistant cross-country coach at a local high school.
鈥淚 enjoy working with high schoolers because I remember being in their shoes,鈥 Cabrera-Ortiz said. 鈥淏eing the individual that can remind students of their potential and be a cheerleader in that regard, supporting their growth.鈥 She plans to use this experience while working with nursing students in the Czech Republic.
Cabrera-Ortiz encourages her peers to take risks and reach outside their comfort zone, 鈥淲hen you come across an opportunity, apply for it, and do not automatically eliminate yourself from the opportunity without even having strived for it.鈥
Combining Clinical and Community Health
惭补蝉辞苍鈥檚 prepares students with the knowledge and understanding of community and public health systems, issues and policies related to health promotion, and health education and disease prevention in populations of all sizes.
After serving in the Czech Republic, Cabrera-Ortiz plans to go to medical school and become an orthopedic surgeon. In addition to becoming a physician, Cabrera-Ortiz has a desire to serve her community, and her GCH degree will help her succeed.
鈥淏eing a doctor is more than giving a prescription,鈥 she said. Growing up in the Hispanic culture, Cabrera-Ortiz wants to be a role model for the youth in her hometown and work to lessen the health disparities among low socio-economic minorities. 鈥淲ith my childhood experiences, my mission is to use my voice as a provider and advocate for our communities and treat each person as an individual.鈥
On behalf of the Mason Nation, congratulations to Cabrera-Ortiz on winning the Fulbright and we wish her the best of luck in all future endeavors.