Mary Bolarinwa has always had a passion for public health.
Originally from Kogi State, Nigeria, Bolarinwa wanted to study health in the United States to learn health practices on a broader level. As an international student leader and researcher, Bolarinwa has done just that in her time with the School of Public and Population Health.
Bolarinwa graduates with a Master of Public Health degree this spring. Read on to learn more about her campus involvement, research and passion for public health.
Q: What originally brought you to Boise State and the School of Public and Population Health?
A: I’ve always had a passion for public health, which is why I first studied Health Education. I wanted to grow in that path, gain more experience, and learn in an environment different from where I come from. Being able to study public health in the U.S. allowed me to see how it is practiced on a broader level.
Boise State stood out to me because of the School of Public and Population Health and the emphasis areas offered. I knew I wanted to focus on prevention and intervention, especially working with community-based programs and combining research with outreach, so it felt like the right fit for what I want to do in my career.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your studies?
A: One thing I’ve really enjoyed is being able to learn exactly what aligns with my interests. The program doesn’t just say you have an emphasis, but actually builds the coursework around it, which made the experience meaningful for me.
I also really appreciated being able to gain experience outside the classroom while still learning. For example, my internship allowed me to apply what I was learning and understand how things work in real-life settings.
In addition to that, having supportive faculty and classmates made the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Q: What extracurricular activities, clubs, research, projects, etc. were you involved in that made an impact on your experience?
A: I’ve been involved in several things during my time in the program. One major part was research, where I had the opportunity to work closely with mentors and gain hands-on experience. That really helped me grow, especially as someone who wants to combine research and community outreach in my career.
I also served as the President of Eta Sigma Gamma, which gave me leadership experience and allowed me to be part of activities that positively impact students on campus. Being involved in campus events and activities also made me feel more connected and part of the community.
All of these experiences played a big role in developing my journey here.
Q: How has your time in the MPH program broadened your outlook on public health?
A: My time in the MPH program has really changed how I see public health. Before, I had an idea of what it was, but now I understand it on a much deeper level.
Through coursework, readings, and practical experiences like my internship, I’ve been exposed to different aspects of public health and how it works in real-world settings. It made me realize how broad the field is and how much impact can be made, especially through prevention and intervention.
Q: What are you most looking forward to post-graduation?
A: I’m most looking forward to starting my career. I’ve always been passionate about working in public health, especially in community-based programs focused on prevention and intervention.
I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned, make a real impact, and contribute to improving the health and well-being of communities.