6.4 What does Ángel find fulfilling about his job?
In addition to feeling like his work matters, Ángel finds his job fulfilling. Take a listen to what he most appreciates about the position below.
Transcript: “At my current job, I get to meet a vulnerable population, which is the elderly population, uh, because it possesses a wider range of characteristics, especially in a diverse population like in San Antonio. Um, I get to do, um, my research with this community, and now that I’m starting a degree in public health, I get to, uh, understand the science of why they’re getting sick. Public health gives us an idea of why people are more prone to some diseases or sometimes some um, accidents or events. Sometimes, you know, seatbelt, wearing a seatbelt, is public health. Brushing your teeth–public health. Um, it tells doctors how to implement strategies, how to implement medications, what medications work for someone and what medication doesn’t. So, all these things I get to experience where I’m working as a research coordinator. Um, I like to study the science of Alzheimer’s, and from there, generate a better perspective, better results, um, that may help in the implementation of new strategies for the San Antonio community.”
Some examples of how public health does this crucial work is through free vaccination events or educational sessions to the community. Other more pedestrian examples are building filtering systems in sewers, increasing hand sanitizer spots, or sharing practical health advice like washing your hands for a set amount of time. Ángel is personally interested in sexual health education, which can change social norms. Understanding things like consent, anatomy, and safer sexual practices helps community members develop their autonomy and become empathetic thinkers who consider other people’s bodies as they do their own. We are also able to fight discrimination through this kind of education.
