This is París writing, a first-year student in the ARCHES Lab—and first-time APHA attendee! Fall 2019, my first semester as a graduate student at San Diego State University and my first semester as a public health scholar. I was so fortunate to be given the opportunity to attend the biggest conference In public health. SDSU Grad School of Public Health Offers a reimbursement program for students interested in taking a trip to Philadelphia and helping staff the GSPH booth. This program is great for students who want to get out there and network with public health professionals. Overall the conference was enormous and very fulfilling. I was able to attend a ton of very informative talks and workshops. I gained a lot of new connections with other public health students and some professionals for potential jobs after graduation. It was great to be able to support other ARCHES lab mates and attend their presentations as well. There was also plenty of free time to be able to explore Philly and try a classic Philly Cheesesteak and see the Liberty Bell. I even had enough time to visit the East State Penitentiary!
