By Philip Vu

What can I say about Oaxaca? The trip makes me smile when I think about what to say. In a week, I acquired so many fond memories. Monte Alban, the mountain we climbed, was a great way to start our time there. The hike up with everyone was fun, tiring, and hot. When we got up on top, the view and history we saw were things I have never experienced. Being were things I have never experienced. Being able to walk through the ruins and race up with others were so fun. I really enjoyed looking out over the community and see how beautiful the view is, then in my mind I knew I was in for an experience to remember. The view was one of the beautiful things Oaxaca has to offer. We were able to visit the schools. Surprisingly the were able to visit the schools. Surprisingly the students would reach out to you. Each student at each school was engaged and wanted to learn more about what we had to offer. The students listened and paid attention to what we had to say and they are full of life. At one of the schools, I helped with the physical activity group’s dance. At first, I was a bit shy, but by group’s dance. At first, I was a bit shy, but by the end I enjoyed the dance then I threw on my

sunglasses and participated with their little dance battle among the students. They got really hyped up and it was so much fun. I would say though, the community and family I stayed with really holds a place in my memories. When I close my eyes, I can picture myself in Oaxaca because the feeling of being among ev-eryone was so welcoming and loving. I really do not have any experience in speaking Spanish, but with the families and kids there were no words needed, we can even share jokes. We can feel how much they cared and appreciate our presence. I tried to pick up some words and I learned one that I won’t forget, “El viento”, which means wind. A great memory I had was the first time I got to meet my family and we sat outviento”, which means wind. A great memory I had was the first time I got to meet my family and we sat out-side their home with a peaceful view. While we sat there getting to know each other, I was able to feel a breeze brush up against me, and for that moment I felt so at peace. Whenever I feel the wind now, it is so easy to imagine myself back in Oaxaca surrounded by the wonderful families and friends. El Viento, a piece of Oaxaca forever with me.

Messages from the Spring 2011Graduates

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Being part of the undergraduate class of Health Science has been a great experi-ence. The skills that I have learned and memories that I have with my peers and professors are unforgettable. I know that even when I leave this SJSU, we will always keep in touch.”

“““ “The Health Science Department is the most welcoming, supportive, genuine welcoming, supportive, genuine department at San Jose State. I will forever cherish the relation-ships I have formed with the fac-ulty, peers, and the McKinley community. The major not only supplied me with the tools necessary for a public health career, but created special memories that will last a lifetime. I will embody the loving, compassion-ate, always-positive spirit of Health Science in every step I take as a graduate of the department. The Health Science De-partment was the perfect fit for me because it was more than just a department, Health Sci-ence is a family and I will forever love my Health Science Family!

“I would like to thank the Health Science Department for the amazing experience. The entire Health Science The entire Health Science staff and students have played an important part in my life, and I will cherish that. Congratulations to my fellow spring 2011 gradu-ates! It is now our time to make a difference and fulfill make a difference and fulfill our social responsibilities. For the fall 2011 gradu-ates—you hold great prom-ise for the future of public health and I cannot wait to see you all walk the stage and represent!

After many years at-tending San Jose State University, my time as an undergraduate stu-dent has come to an end. I will be graduating in only a few days, but my heart will always be with the faculty and stu-dents of the Health Sci-ence department. I want to thank everyone that has contributed to my wonderful experience at SJSU, and I will con-tinue to stay in touch with my Health Science family!

” ” ”-David Dosanjh-Isabella Daluz-Daniel Mejia

Rebecca Williams

Credits:Rebecca Williams: Chief EditorHelena Chung: Health News EditorIngrid Mapanao: Layout EditorAndrea Rufo: Managing Editor Page 9

The big moment is finally here! CongratuThe big moment is finally here! Congratu-lations to the graduating class of 2011! It has been such an honor to work with and meet every one of you. My time in Health Science has been amazing. I came in as a transfer student not knowing what to expect, but by the end of the first semes-ter, Health Science took me in as part of the family and I felt right at home. I not only wish I could have started my college experience at San Jose State University, but that every student at the university could experience the same amount of love, passion, and togetherness within their major as we get to experience every their major as we get to experience every day within Health Science. I am sad at the thought of leaving our HS family, but ex-cited to share what I have learned. The education we have obtained within the de-partment and the information we received is not only applied to our jobs, but in everyday life as well. Over the past two years, the HS department and everyone in it has made my college experience unfor-gettable. If I had to start all over again, I wouldn’t change anything.

As editor of the first Enigma News, I would like to thank everyone who helped in composing the newsletters. You have all been wonderful to work with and I could not have accomplished the Enigma News without you. I also want to thank everyone who took interest in reading HSUSA’s newsletters. I hope we have provided information and useful insights that you can put to use. And big thanks to Health Science Undergraduate Student Association! You have all been so inspiring to work and collaborate with. We have set up a solid ground for the next group of boards to build on and with our accomplishments, the club will continue to grow and expand. I will miss you all but look forward to hearing from you outside of HSUSA and San Jose State.look forward to hearing from you outside of HSUSA and San Jose State.

And finally…the biggest thanks to my family and loved ones. I never thought I would come this far with school, but the drive and motivation from you all for me to reach for the stars allowed me to do just that. I deeply appreciate all of your support and compassion throughout my college experi-ence. I love you all so much and I can’t wait to share this special day with you.

(compiled by Andrea Rufo)

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“Our journey has come to an end and sets us to a new beginning. Thank you to our professors who challenged us, our mentors and leaders who inspired us and our friends who made college bearable and worthwhile. To Dr. Roe and the Health Science department we extend our gratitude for making the choice that matters. The talented, creative, and smart students found a home in you. Congratulations to everyone!”

Special thanks to HSUSA’s Enigma News Team, Rebecca, Ingrid, and Helena for your contribuSpecial thanks to HSUSA’s Enigma News Team, Rebecca, Ingrid, and Helena for your contribu-tion, the newsletter couldn’t exist without you. The committee and my Co-Chair LaTasha Barn-well, this is not the end.

Being a member of the Health Science Department at San Being a member of the Health Science Department at San Jose State University has been overwhelmingly one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The department has an aura of acceptance and belonging that was palpable from the first time Dr. Roe and I met to discuss the depart-ment. Just as any organization or business is run, the leader of such an entity sets the tone for the entire environ-ment to succeed and Dr. Roe does an incredible job of that. This department is bound by the direction of highly regard-ed instructors who have a vast array of information and specialties to share with their students. We have been for-tunate to have these individuals guide us through our path of increasing knowledge throughout our tenure as emerg-ing memembers of this field. The students have been an absolute pleasure to be around. I could not have envi-sioned a more supportive and inviting group of people to spend an undergraduate career with. This is an outstand-ing department which lays a foundation for future growth in many health related arenas, along with great people all around. A student could not ask for any more!

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”Now read about life after

graduation...

The Real WorldHi everyone, my name is Tonya Veitch and I am a recent Spring 2010 Health Science graduate and I’m here to tell you what life has been like for me after graduation. During my time at SJSU and in Health Science I made it my mission to get involved! Without a doubt, by doing so it not only helped me make great friends, create an enjoyable college experience, but it helped prepare me for life after graduation. I graduated SJSU a proud and prepared Health Science graduate (option 4). Also, I was Chair of the Health Health Science graduate (option 4). Also, I was Chair of the Health Science Undergrad Student Association (HSUSA), a Peer Health Educator (PHE), and a student staffer with the Health Science office. I’m telling you all of this because by me being an active student it helped me to get where I am today. Remember it’s ALL about networking and making the most of your time during your college experience.

thanks to Mai Mai and Hugo) as a Health Policy Intern. It was there that I worked with the multi-talent-ed Laura Jones, Health Policy Aide to Supervisor Yeager and she is now a mentor and friend. My in-ternship just recently ended in December 2010 but it was there that I found my passion for Public Health and Policy.

In October 2010, I started also working for CYAN (California Youth Advocacy Network) as a Program Consultant. My job is so amazing and I get to be directly involved in policy change that will effect the lives of thousands of Santa Clara County residents. The main goal of my job is to work with five col-leges and universities in Santa Clara County and help them create in creating a 100% smoke-free campus! The five colleges and universities I am working with are Stanford, Santa Clara University, De Anza, Gavilan, and last but not least San Jose State! If you would like to build support for smoke-free policies at SJSU, advocate for a cleaner and healthier campus for smokers and non-smokers please email me at Tonya@cyanonline.org. I could definitely use the help and it would be a valuable learning experience, a great introduction to policy, and an addition to your resume :)

On Friday, I also just got offered a part-time job working for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department! So far, life after graduation or better known as “The Real World” hasn’t been quite what I was ex-pecting, but it’s shaping up to be better than I could have imagined. Yes, I don’t have the typical 9-5 work week with the full-time job, but what I do have is two great part-time jobs that I love. I mean isn’t that why we go to school and get degrees? It’s to find that job/career where we can be happy and what makes us want to get up in the morning, right? Well, lucky me I found that happiness and inner peace.

If I could leave you with any bit of advice it would be this

1Make the most of your college experience. Land that intern-ship, volunteer, get involved with HSUSA and Eta Sigma Gamma, and get to know your amazing faculty and staff (FYI they know everyone)

2Network, Network, Network!3

Do what you love and love what you do