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I recently had the privilege of attending the in Long Beach, California, alongside three of my undergraduate public health students. It wasn�Ӱ�ԭ��t just a professional highlight of my year�Ӱ�ԭ��it was a deeply meaningful experience that reminded me why I chose this path as a health educator, mentor, and advocate for health justice. The conference theme, �Ӱ�ԭ��Waves of Change: Embracing Diversity and Technology for Equity and Wellness,�Ӱ�ԭ�� captured the heart of our work and emphasized the urgency of preparing students to lead with both compassion and innovation.

What made this year�Ӱ�ԭ��s conference especially powerful was experiencing it through the eyes of my students. For each of them, it was their first time at a national professional gathering. This past semester, the students and I looked into how diet and weight-loss teas are marketed across the U.S. and compared their labels and health claims to real scientific evidence. We found that a lot of these teas use misleading ads and include ingredients that could be risky for people's health. Watching my students navigate the space, present their research, and connect with leaders in the field was one of the most rewarding moments of my academic career. It reinforced the importance of hands-on learning and the value of creating spaces where students feel empowered to grow, question, and lead.

Through the WeEmbody (WE) Lab�Ӱ�ԭ��a student-centered research and advocacy initiative I direct, these students have been exploring pressing public health issues through a community-based lens. SOPHE 2025 offered them the chance to share their work with a national audience, learn about innovative research approaches, and reflect on what it means to be an advocate and changemaker in this field.

In the reflections below, Edna, Kayla, and Serenity offer their own takeaways from the conference. Their stories speak to the confidence, clarity, and inspiration that can flourish when students are invited into spaces that challenge and support them.

Attending the SOPHE 2025 conference was an enlightening experience and a powerful opportunity to connect with students, professors, and health professionals who are passionate about public health. I especially appreciated learning about the latest research on topics such as maternal health, diabetes prevention, and health equity. The workshops were particularly impactful as they helped build skills in community intervention design, tech-based health promotion, and local SOPHE chapter engagement.

Presenting our research was a highlight. It was eye-opening to see how impactful our work could be. Many attendees expressed surprise at the topic, and one even said they felt inspired to begin a related research project. That encouragement and feedback made me feel proud and validated our efforts. The thoughtful questions and insightful conversations helped me reflect on the broader implications of our work, and how even student-led projects can initiate meaningful discussions around public health issues.

Attending SOPHE inspired me to continue in public health and reassured me that we are capable of creating change. It was also motivating to be surrounded by so many dedicated professionals who are working to make a difference. I left feeling more confident, more informed, and more determined to make a lasting impact in the field.

The SOPHE 2025 conference was a personal and academic milestone. Presenting at a national level was nerve-wracking but incredibly rewarding. The theme�Ӱ�ԭ���Ӱ�ԭ��Waves of Change: Embracing Diversity and Technology for Equity and Wellness�Ӱ�ԭ���Ӱ�ԭ��set the tone for a transformative experience. I discovered photovoice, a research method using community-captured images to explore social issues. It opened my eyes to the creative ways public health can drive change and make research more accessible and personal.

While I struggled with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, especially being far from home, a photovoice session grounded me. A group reflection on photos tied to the current socio-political climate was powerful and made me feel seen. That session reminded me that we each bring our own lived experiences into the public health space, and that diversity of thought and emotion is valuable.

By the end, I felt empowered and grateful�Ӱ�ԭ��not only for the experience, but for not letting fear hold me back. Meeting others who have also felt unsure but continued anyway gave me a sense of belonging. This conference helped me realize that no matter where I go or what career I choose, I can find ways to make a difference through public health work.

Our trip started with a wild twist�Ӱ�ԭ��our hotel gave away our rooms! Despite the chaos, SOPHE 2025 became an unforgettable adventure. The first-timer breakfast was warm and welcoming, complete with icebreaker bingo and quirky name-tag ribbons. We met folks from across the country and even connected with a professor we�Ӱ�ԭ��d only seen online. These early interactions set the tone for a conference that was both engaging and deeply human.

I especially appreciated a session on mental health stigma. As someone who�Ӱ�ԭ��s struggled personally, it meant a lot to hear open, thoughtful conversations on this topic. The session validated the importance of talking about mental health barriers and creating space for more inclusive dialogue in public health initiatives. It was also reassuring to hear how others in the field are working to shift the narrative around mental illness and promoting healing.

We also dove into photovoice, a method that I hope becomes more common for community research. It feels like a creative and authentic way to give voice to lived experiences. Beyond the sessions, we explored California�Ӱ�ԭ��walking along the beach, sightseeing, and building friendships with peers and mentors. Being part of the WeEmbody Lab and attending this conference reminded me why I chose public health: to help amplify voices, foster understanding, and create change. I left feeling recharged, grateful, and more committed than ever to this path.

Dr. Alvin Tran is an Assistant Professor of Population Health and Leadership. Edna Agyeman, Kayla Batista, and Serenity Roberts are juniors in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program and current WeEmbody Lab Fellows