Anjelica Elizondo is a current doctoral degree candidate in the Baylor University Public Health Department. On May 5, 2023 she was one of three students from across Robbins College to participate in a fireside chat with the dean about Baylor and their careers. Check out her experience at this event below:

1. Tell me a bit about the experience overall.

The experience went well! It was nice to have the opportunity to speak with the leadership of Robbins College and to know they want to hear from student perspectives. Much of the session was us (the students) giving insight on our personal student experiences but there were occasions where questions were asked from the leadership team to get insight on how the college might potentially grow to continue to support student success. Overall, I am grateful that I was able to be a part of the conversation and give insight to my great experiences with the Public Health department. 

2. Why do you feel it’s important for the Dean to engage students such as yourself in these conversations?

I may have slightly touched base with this in my previous response, but I feel it’s important that the Dean (and the rest of the leadership team for Robbins) engages with students in this manner because it allows them to get feedback from students on their experiences. I enjoyed the fact that the 3 students chosen (myself and 2 others) all came from different departments in Robbins, so it was nice to hear from other areas where our departments excel in student success. I am proud of Robbins leadership for inviting students to have a conversation like this one. I know in Public Health we always discuss the importance of bringing in diverse voices/stakeholders to the table when decision-making, so it was good to know that was being put to practice in our own academic college.

3. What was the most memorable part of this experience?

In general, I think it was memorable just to be chosen for this experience. It’s an honor to feel like my professors and faculty have confidence in me to speak at such an important event. Additionally, it was memorable to think about this as such a milestone for me since I had the opportunity speaking to such profound individuals in leadership. 

4. Is there anything else you feel is important to share about this event?

Overall, it was a great experience. In the future, I hope Robbins college continues to seek out student experiences and input like this. I am proud and so thrilled I was able to speak about our department and all there is to offer at Baylor.