Celeste Hull, a biology major at Cal State Fullerton, set her sights on a career in medicine. However, as a first-generation college student, she was unsure about the multitude of paths that could lead her there. It wasn’t until she attended CSUF’s Health Pathways Fair that she discovered an array of unexpected opportunities.
“I came here thinking I was just looking for connections with health organizations to help me get clinical hours for medical school,” said Hull. “But I ended up learning about so many different paths in health care that I hadn’t even considered. I had my heart set on prenatal care, but after talking with some of the professionals here, I’m now seriously thinking about emergency care. It’s eye-opening to see so many options.”
David Chenot, professor emeritus of social work and principal investigator of the Health Education Pathways Program, and Alice Lee, associate professor of public health and project director of the Professions Advancing and Transforming Health Academy, co-hosted the event together and reflected on Hull’s experience.
“It’s not unusual for students to come here thinking that health care only means becoming a doctor or nurse,” Chenot said. “That’s exactly why we host this event — so students can see that health care is so much more than the traditional routes.”
The Health Pathways Fair, which took place March 11 at the Titan Student Union, offered students a chance to explore a wide range of health career opportunities, including in behavioral health, public health and many additional fields. The event featured representatives from such organizations as OC Health Care Agency, Providence and Children’s Hospital of Orange County, along with CSUF student clubs and health-focused organizations. Presentations from various CSUF departments showcased diverse educational pathways in the fields of health and behavioral health.
The event, supported by grants from the Orange County Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Project and the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, was attended by more than 500 high school, community college and CSUF students, introducing them to the many possibilities within health and behavioral health care.
“We want students from all disciplines to understand that health care includes a wide range of careers, from clinical work to behavioral health,” said Chenot. “For instance, even graduate students are often surprised by the variety of professional pathways available in health fields.”
Emphasizing the importance of early exposure to these possibilities, Chenot noted that students should be aware of opportunities across all departments at CSUF, not just within traditional health care colleges.
“For biology students, for example, it’s crucial to know that they don’t need to pursue a medical degree to contribute to health care,” he said. “There are many other meaningful ways to get involved, whether through public health research, policy work or education.”
Arthur Guzman, project coordinator for the Orange County Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Project, also spoke to the significance of the event in opening students’ eyes to various possibilities.
“It’s not just about showing students what they can do today,” said Guzman. “It’s about building a community, a pathway, that allows them to explore all the options available to them. In this respect, the fair helps students realize how helpful participating in student clubs and organizations that align with their career goals can be, and how it builds long-term support within these networks.”
Jade Chu, a CSUF kinesiology student and vice president of the Physician Assistants Coming Together club, was among the student organizations present at the Health Pathways Fair. She emphasized how interacting with student clubs at events like this can help students explore a broad range of career possibilities in health care.
“Getting the chance to meet with students who have already been through the process is so valuable,” said Chu. “We need more people in health care, no matter what path they take. At PACT, we’re dedicated to helping students passionate about the physician assistant field by collaborating with other clubs and offering opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. By lifting each other up and sharing insights, we make sure everyone feels supported and empowered to pursue their health care career goals.”
For Itzel Romo, a kinesiology major, her decision to pursue a career as a physician assistant began through her involvement with the PACT club.
“I didn’t initially consider becoming a PA, but after talking to others in PACT, I realized it was the right path for me,” said Romo. “It’s about real conversations, not textbooks — hearing from people who’ve been through the process and are willing to share their experiences.”
This peer-to-peer mentoring at the fair was invaluable, and Romo emphasized the importance of connecting with others who can relate to her journey, especially when navigating unfamiliar career paths. As a member of the Latino Medical Student Association, which was also present at the fair, Romo is dedicated to empowering Latino students and helping them explore health care careers.
“LMSA is about supporting each other and guiding each other forward,” she said. “Having a support system, especially one that understands your background and challenges, makes all the difference, particularly when you’re just starting out and don’t know where to begin.”
With resources from CSUF clubs and organizations and the support of programs like HEPP and the PATH Academy, students like Hull are finding that the path to a career in health care is not just about one route, but a multitude of opportunities waiting to be explored.
“Before today, I never considered the research side of health care,” said Hull. “Learning about things like the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center and directed forms of research opened my eyes to different ways I could contribute to the field beyond the traditional route. Now, I’m leaving with a lot more options to think about.”
More information on the Health Education Pathways Program or the Professions Advancing and Transforming Health Academy, contact Kristal Ly, HEPP and PATH program manager.