TitanHEALTH peer educator and graduating senior M Smith offers a listening ear to educate Cal State Fullerton classmates about the importance of health and well-being.
Smith participates in the TitanHEALTH Hut mobile outreach program, which gives students a safe and welcoming environment.
The program provides peer-to-peer education to promote healthy choices and behavior, focusing on health topics related to nutrition, food insecurity, safe sex and sexual violence.
Smith, a public health major studying global health, engages with hundreds of students each week, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health by sharing information and campus resources.
“M has demonstrated initiative, passion and an unwavering commitment to collective health and well-being,” said Lynnette De Los Angeles, TitanHEALTH health educator.
In recognition of Smith’s excellence in service, the Class of 2025 graduate is the recipient of the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Senior Award.
“This recognition makes me feel seen and heard for the work that I do, and have done, to not only better myself but my community and people around me,” Smith said. “I’m able to reach students and help to build rapport and a healthy community.”
Smith joined TitanHEALTH to prepare for a career in public health. After graduating in May, they plan to pursue a master’s degree in public health at CSUF in the fall. Smith is the first in their family — the eldest of seven siblings — to earn a college degree.
They aspire to pursue a Ph.D./M.D. program to research public health issues, such as the effects of climate change on reproductive care and maternal health.
“Working as a peer educator is giving me the tools I need to work toward my future,” Smith said.
As a peer educator, Smith enjoys meeting other students and relaying campus resources. These resources include medical and mental health care services and healthy food available at The Pantry, an Associated Students Inc. program for those facing food insecurity.
This spring semester, Smith is an intern with TitanHEALTH’s community engagement services, focusing on research and supporting curriculum development.
Since graduating high school 10 years ago, Smith started and quit college numerous times. During the pandemic, Smith worked as a certified doula. This experience inspired Smith to pursue a college education and strive for a career in public health to ensure access to quality and preventative care.
In June 2023, Smith earned an associate degree in public health from Santa Ana College and transferred to CSUF the following fall.
“I’m proud of myself for sticking to a degree and career path that benefits many people,” shared Smith, a community volunteer at local food banks and Elevate, a Los Angeles youth mentorship program.
At CSUF, Smith found a place where they could thrive.
“Since I left high school, I’ve come into my own with my queerness and being trans/nonbinary,” Smith said. “On this campus, it’s been easy to be my authentic self, and I’ve developed a community with others that has enhanced my well-being.”
During Smith’s undergraduate education, they participated in a research project focusing on health insurance and access to health care among CSUF students, directed by Shana Charles, associate professor of public health. They also served on an education advisory committee to create an inclusive curriculum for medical students about reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ health.
Smith looks forward to graduate school and a career advocating for the well-being of others.
“If I can better the lives of a few people, it will have been worth it.”