CAPAL Scholar & Intern Spotlight: Marlena Ngim ’24

Jul 8, 2024 0 Comment Post By:capal@admin

Marlena (she/her/hers) is a rising senior at San Diego State University majoring in Health Communication with a minor in Public Health. She is passionate about public health advocacy, health policy, and reproductive rights, particularly within undeserved communities. On campus, Marlena is actively involved in the Asian Pacific Student Alliance (APSA) and serves as the Vice President of the Transfer Student Outreach Alliance (TSOA). Outside of academics, Marlena loves to play Animal Crossing, drink copious amounts of coffee, and make people laugh.

Internship Placement: US Forest Service

 

As a CAPAL scholar/intern, what does CAPAL mean to you?

As a CAPAL intern, CAPAL means utilizing public service opportunities to improve society and being part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering AANHPI youth. It represents a commitment to increasing AANHPI representation in government, advocating for equity, and developing future leaders who can drive positive change.

 

What is an issue or topic within the AANHPI communities that you feel passionate about addressing?

One issue I am passionate about addressing within AANHPI communities is the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly the generational gap in understanding it. In many AANHPI cultures, mental health issues are often seen as a personal or familial failure, leading to denial and minimization. Older generations may not recognize mental health as a critical aspect of well-being, viewing it as less important than physical health and expecting younger individuals to endure hardships without complaint. This creates a barrier between AANHPI generations, as younger generations may understand the importance of mental health but struggle to communicate their needs to older family members.

 

What are your main responsibilities at your position? What are some of your big projects?

As a Park Ranger intern with the U.S. Forest Service in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, I inform and educate visitors about the surrounding public lands and assist with resource management.

I also just got crosscut certified! This means I’m certified to saw logs in half!

 

How does this internship fit with your professional and career goals?

This internship bridges my passion for nature with my career aspirations in health communication and public health. Through this internship, I can explore the connection between outdoor environments and well-being. This experience not only deepens my understanding of health communication in a variety of contexts but also highlights the importance of using natural spaces for public health promotion.

 

What does public service mean to you? What sparked your interest or desire to get involved with public service? 

Public service to me is about dedicating oneself to better society and prioritizing the welfare and needs of the community. It allows one to address pressing issues, promote equity and justice, and improve the lives of others. My interest in public service was sparked by witnessing disparities and injustices within my community and other communities. This instilled in me a sense of responsibility and commitment to contribute meaningfully to society.

Leave Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *