The Charger Blog

Senior Reflects on ӰԭRewardingӰԭ Internship, Gaining Professional Experience as a Charger

Melissa Nunez Ӱԭ24, who will be among the UniversityӰԭs first graduates to earn a B.S. public health, is committed to service Ӱԭ whether sheӰԭs representing the UniversityӰԭs Student Public Health Association or helping to grant a wish for a child facing a serious illness.

March 15, 2024

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications


Melissa Nunez Ӱԭ24 (center) and her Ӱԭlittles.Ӱԭ
Melissa Nunez Ӱԭ24 (center) and her ӰԭlittlesӰԭ are charged up for an Alpha Sigma Alpha event.

For Melissa Nunez Ӱԭ24, studying public health at the University of New Haven has meant immersing herself in the world of healthcare beyond the classroom. It has also offered her the chance to grow as a leader while sharing her passion for service.

An active member of the UniversityӰԭs School of Health Sciences, Nunez has been a member of the Student Public Health Association, serving as an ambassador during her senior year. It has been a fun and rewarding way for her to get to know her classmates. SheӰԭs also collaborated with faculty members and networked with industry leaders at events, building important connections.

Melissa Nunez Ӱԭ24.
Melissa Nunez Ӱԭ24.

ӰԭMy time at the University has helped prepare me for success by giving me various opportunities to explore the world of healthcare outside of the classroom,Ӱԭ said Nunez. ӰԭI have been to public health conferences where I was able to network with real public health professionals and learn about what I can expect after I graduate and IӰԭm in the workforce.Ӱԭ

Nunez, who one of her professors calls a Ӱԭfabulous student,Ӱԭ will be recognized as part of the UniversityӰԭs 2024 Commencement, and sheӰԭll be among the UniversityӰԭs first graduates of its Bachelor of Science in Public Health program.

As she completes her final semester as an undergraduate, sheӰԭs reflecting on how much sheӰԭs grown as a Charger. She credits her involvement in the Alpha Signa Alpha sorority, in which sheӰԭs served as vice president of programming and ritual and as ritual chair, for helping her to grow Ӱԭprofessionally, mentally, and spiritually.Ӱԭ

ӰԭI cannot imagine continuing my education elsewhereӰԭ

One of NunezӰԭs most gratifying experiences as a Charger has been her internship at Make-A-Wish Connecticut. While working in the nonprofitӰԭs programming department, sheӰԭs had the opportunity to help grant wishes to kids who are fighting critical illnesses. Whether sheӰԭs helping to arrange a shopping spree, the gift of a puppy, or, even, a trip to Disney World, Nunez has been thrilled to play a critical role in creating wonderful memories for families.

ӰԭMy greatest accomplishments at Make-A-Wish were getting to use my bilingualism to translate for and work with non-English speaking wish families,Ӱԭ she explains. ӰԭI am a firm believer that everyone should have equal access and opportunity, regardless of a language barrier. For me, this has been the most rewarding part of my internship.Ӱԭ

After she completes her degree, Nunez will be continuing her time as a Charger. This fall, sheӰԭll begin pursuing her Master of Healthcare Administration at the University.

ӰԭI have absolutely loved and enjoyed my time here,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭI cannot imagine continuing my education elsewhere.Ӱԭ

Recent News