Matthew Rivera

What does public health mean to you?

Public health to me means I am the first step of protection against disease or addiction. I get to figure out a way to prevent a disease from spreading or stop an addiction from progressing in people.

Why did you choose to study healthcare leadership?

I chose to study health services management and leadership because I have always wanted to be in healthcare but more so on the side of operations and administration. I want to learn everything there is to know about how to keep hospitals functioning efficiently while also budgeting and building a strong and trustworthy band of hospitals.

Have you had any particular professors or faculty members who have made an impact on you while at WVU? If so, how?

At WVU, I have had two very passionate faculty members who have had an impact in my journey so far. First, Dr. Emily Zier was a huge resource in researching internships with me, as well reviewing my resume and giving me such amazing advice. With her help, I was able to learn great tactics to use in the internship process as well as secure an internship for myself. Not to mention, her Health Policy class was extremely informative and interesting. Second, Dr. Michael McCawley has been an extraordinary help as well. Throughout the semester he was constantly reminding me that I could do amazing things if I have the right mindset, as well as encouraging me to shoot big in my career goals and to not settle for anything. Both professors have made such an amazing impact on me and they were both generous enough to support me in my endeavors and write letters of recommendations to support me.

What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Public Health?

WVU and the School of Public Health have given me everything I needed so far in order to succeed in my career goals. The staff is always willing to help you or talk to you about the prospective field you want to go in, as well as always being a resource to go to about anything else you need to talk about. Not to mention, the students in the School are the most driven people you will ever meet. They have passions, they have goals, and they all want to succeed, as well as wanting to see every other student succeed.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Aim high. Stay driven. And do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do what you are intended to do on this earth. You have a passion, you have a goal and you know the steps you need to take in order to get to where you want to go. Continue doing what you are doing because you are taking the right path.

How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?

Every single person I have spoken to in the School has given me helpful advice and amazing encouragement to continue doing what I am doing. They have helped me succeed in ways I did not think I would and have been such a great resource for internships or graduate school research.

What's your favorite ...

• TV series: Grey's Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder and Big Brother
• Place you’ve visited: Portugal - It was absolutely gorgeous to see different lifestyles but also the beautiful scenery and beaches. Not to mention, it's where my grandparents are from.
• Local restaurant: Los Mariachis

What do you plan to do upon completion of your degree?

After graduation, I'll be working for the Atlantic Health System as an Ambulatory Operations Coordinator. I completed an amazing internship with the Ambulatory Operations department last summer.