Growing up, first-generation UMD School of Public Health graduate Crisdel Mayen Velasquez witnessed her parents struggle to navigate the U.S. healthcare system. Like many children of immigrant parents, she helped translate their medical documents.
Mayen Velasquez credits the experience as the start of her interest in the medical field. Now, on the cusp of graduating, the public health science major is ready to lead, taking the stage at Xfinity Center for the SPH Commencement as the student speaker representing her graduating class.
“Graduating as a first-gen student means being able to persevere in all of the barriers that we face, and being so goal-driven and -centered that you still accomplish things — even when so many odds are stacked against you,” Mayen Velasquez said.
Mayen began her higher education at Howard Community College, where she received her associate degree in biology before transferring. She started working at a pediatrics office and was also an intern at the National Hispanic Medical Association, where she helped implement a grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Vaccinate for All.” The program worked to encourage the Hispanic community to get vaccinated. She is passionate about serving underserved communities.
“Crisdel brings integrity, a positive attitude and strong commitment to every task she performs. Her positive attitude is inspiring to those around her,” said Dr. Rita Delores Wutoh, who has worked with Crisdel for over the past two years at the University Health Center. “She is a strong leader – taking initiative, being reliable and an outstanding team member.”
She also worked as a student health assistant at the University Health Care Center for the past two years. There, she helped directly care for patients, assisting with screening patients and working in the primary care unit and the urgent care section.
“Crisdel is one of the most dedicated and compassionate students I’ve had the pleasure to work with. She’s always eager to learn, quick to lend a hand and brings a warm, positive energy that makes a real difference to both patients and coworkers,” said Heather Teitelbaum, the clinical director of the University Health Care Center.
Make sure that you're really passionate about what it is that you're learning and what you're doing and the people that you're caring for. Always lead with empathy.
After graduation Mayen Velasquez plans to continue working in the public health sector, including applying to medical school in a few years. She was thrilled to be chosen as this year's commencement speaker and hopes that her words inspire the audience.
“Being chosen – it meant that I'm capable of doing basically everything that I've always dreamed of,” Mayen Velasquez said. “It’s been very inspiring to know that my words can touch people’s lives and are powerful enough to represent hundreds of students.”
She encouraged her fellow graduates and current public health students to persevere, despite career challenges.
“Continue pushing forward regardless of potential setbacks that you could face,” Mayen Velasquez said, “Make sure that you're really passionate about what it is that you're learning and what you're doing and the people that you're caring for. Always lead with empathy.”
–Sumaya Abdel-Motagaly