A distinct addition to the 8%

Written by: Emely Gonzalez 🇸🇻

Headshot of Rashel Moscoso-Morales. (Emelyn Gomez)

As graduation approaches, Rashel Moscoso-Morales, a student earning a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in behavioral and community health, reflects on just how far she has come.

At the end of her undergrad year, Moscoso-Morales was unsure on what was next for her. In between the decision of tackling the workforce or continuing her education she came into a realization of the distinct privilege she had.

“When times get hard, I'm just like, ‘You know what? It's a privilege to sit at a desk. It's a privilege to have to stay up all night and study if that's what I need to do. But having the chance to pursue an education really is a privilege that shouldn't go unseen,’” she said.

Being part of the 8% of Latinas who earn a master’s degree, she believes it’s more than that percentage—it's about the influence she is creating.

For Moscoso-Morales, community was an influence towards her career path that helped her narrow a field as big as public policy. Although it was not always the clearest path, she did not give up on her education, even if it meant feeling alone in a space with many people around her.

Public health to her became more than a study of pandemics but a form of prevention, specifically preventing the exclusion of her community.

Photo of the Moscoso-Morales Family. (Courtesy of Rashel Moscoso-Morales)

Growing up Moscoso-Morales, like many other first-generation children, faced the challenges of interpretation for their parents. Her work has allowed her to break this barrier in the healthcare setting.

“A lot of the work that I've been able to be a part of has been really a way for me to advocate and create visibility and just like really push for a change in our community,” she said.

Building on this commitment she sought out spaces where she could turn her values into action.

She became a part of the Community THRIVES Laboratory during her junior year of undergrad and exemplified what making a space for her voice looks like.

“If it meant I was the only one in a certain room, that meant that I could bring my own unique 

perspective and be a voice for my community,” she said. 

With that came lessons about giving herself grace and what it truly means to redirect from your mistakes.

“As a first-gen student, you're allowed to mess up, you're allowed to learn from those mistakes and grow, and I feel like all of that was supposed to happen,” she said. “Those moments didn't weaken me. If anything, they made me more resilient and really helped me feel like I really belonged in the spaces I was in.”

“Congrats on your MPH Rashel! We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments, much love!” - Mom, Dad & Ron