How Texas Reconnected Me to My Roots in Kenya
Antonia Gitau
1st Year MPH Global Health Epidemiology Student
As I reflect on my time in San Antonio, I realize this experience impacted me in ways I did not fully expect. Going into the trip, I hoped to contribute meaningfully to conversations surrounding healthy aging and independence. What I did not anticipate was how deeply the experience would connect to my own sense of identity, community, and home.
Throughout my work conducting surveys, leading focus groups, and engaging with community members, I was constantly reminded that public health is never just about data or interventions. It is about people, relationships, and understanding the environments that shape daily life.
Listening to older adults speak about community, resilience, transportation challenges, social connection, and access to resources gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of community centered work and equitable public health efforts.
Unexpectedly, many parts of San Antonio reminded me of my roots in Kenya. The strong sense of community, the value placed on relationships, and the ways people continue to support one another despite structural challenges felt really familiar to me. It reminded me that although communities may look different across the world, many share common strengths, barriers, and hopes. That realization made this experience feel even more personal and meaningful.
This trip also challenged me to grow professionally and personally. Working closely with community members taught me the importance of listening before assuming solutions and approaching public health work with humility. It reinforced that meaningful impact comes from collaboration and trust rather than simply observation.
Looking back, this experience strengthened my commitment to community based public health work and aging populations. More importantly, it reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. I leave Texas with a greater appreciation for the power of community, a deeper understanding of equitable aging efforts, and a renewed sense of purpose as I continue pursuing work centered on care, dignity, and human connection.
