Spotlight on Social Sciences Alumni: Rene Herbert
Name: Rene Herbert
Age: 28
Occupation: Federal Employee; PhD student, University of Maryland
Education (UR and additional): B.A. in Health and Society, University of Rochester, 2005; M.P.H., Yale University, 2007.
Current city/state of residence: Silver Spring, MD
Community activities: Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association, Project Giveback – community service organization
When and how did you choose your major?
I always wanted to pursue a career in health care but was unsure of becoming a medical doctor. An upper classman recommended an introductory course to public health with Professor Theodore Brown. From the first 5 minutes of class, I knew this is what I wanted to major in.
What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?
I was involved in several student leadership organizations: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, and the Diversity Round Table, the Ronald E. McNair Program. These organizations helped me develop my voice as a person and really learn how to stay organized and committed to a larger mission.
What resources did you use on campus that you recommend current students use?
The Learning Center, the Writing Center, the Office of Minority Student Affairs, the Study Abroad Resources, and the IT services.
Who were your mentors while you were on campus? Have you continued those relationships?
Beth Olivares from the Kearns Centers, Thomas Crews and Mr. Norman Burnett from the Office of Minority Student Affairs, Theodore Brown from History Department. I have kept in contact and continued these relationships since I graduated.
What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?
I immediately continued on to graduate school. I knew I wanted to pursue my interest in public health. For me it was the next logical step.
How do you balance your work and professional life?
I truly believe that work/life balance is important. I follow the motto: work hard and play hard. A happy life is a fun life. I do not believe we are created to live in silos between our professional and personal life. I work just as hard to nurture the relationships with my friends and family as I do with my coworkers and supervisors. I always keep in mind that every deadline can be negotiated and really think about the impact of getting work done the next day. Similarly, I remember that spending time with family during an important event sometimes is a brief opportunity that should not be dismissed.
What advice do you have for current students?
Follow your passions. Let your heart and gut lead you to pursue a major that will wake you up every day and that you can talk about for hours. College is a time for exploration so take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available. Study abroad; it is a life changing experience. Do volunteer work outside of the UR campus, embrace the community that surrounds Rochester. Build relationships with faculty members, they are your greatest supporters. College is an opportunity to scratch the surface of who you will be in the “real” world, live it up before the responsibilities of the real world sets in!
