A degree that travels

For Joyce Jimenez, public health has always been about people – understanding their stories, their cultures and the systems that shape their health and wellbeing. At 23 and in her third year of a Bachelor of Applied Public Health/Bachelor of Global Studies at ACU, she is already turning that passion into meaningful, real-world impact.

Originally from Geelong, Joyce’s path to ACU wasn’t a straight line. She began her studies in nursing, then moved into health sciences before discovering where her interests truly lay.

“I realised I was most drawn to public health,” she says. 

“I wanted to work with communities and understand the social, cultural and political factors that influence health outcomes.”

The right fit

With its practical learning, community engagement and supportive teaching environment, ACU quickly proved to be the right fit.

“The learning environment at ACU is really inclusive and supportive,” Joyce says. 

“The smaller class sizes mean you can genuinely engage with lecturers and tutors, and there’s a strong focus on personal growth. I feel encouraged and motivated to do my best.”

That support has extended beyond the classroom. Joyce says her lecturers and tutors are approachable, responsive and genuinely invested in her learning.

“They’re always happy to answer questions and value what students have to say. That makes a huge difference.”

Beyond the campus

One of the most transformative moments of Joyce’s degree occurred a long way from Geelong. With the support of a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant, she spent 12 weeks in Tonga working in a public health internship at Vaiola Hospital. 

Joyce Jimenez and fellow ACU student Ebanni-Starr Markham Teys. 

In her first weeks there, Joyce participated in community health programs, travelling to villages in Tongatapu for health screening visits. The experience reshaped her understanding of health behaviours.

“I noticed many people preferred to seek care from visiting overseas medical professionals rather than local health centres,” she said. 

“Some community members associated hospitals with serious illness or death, and the COVID-19 pandemic had also affected trust in the health system.”

Seeing firsthand how cultural beliefs and lived experiences influence health decisions reinforced for Joyce the importance of trust, empathy and cultural sensitivity in public health practice.

Working with Tonga’s youth, however, revealed a different energy. While helping to prepare a four-day youth workshop for UNICEF’s Fix My Food launch, Joyce was struck by how enthusiastic and confident the young people were. 

“Their leadership showed just how powerful young voices can be in improving community health,” she says.

But one moment stands out above all others. During an HPV awareness session, a local nurse shared her personal experience of surviving cervical cancer. The nurse spoke with raw emotion, weaving her faith into the story, and the room 
transformed. 

“She used her faith and emotions to connect with the community, and it deeply resonated,” Joyce says. “It showed me how important empathy and cultural understanding are in health promotion.” 

Shaping a global career

The experience in Tonga confirmed Joyce’s desire to work in global and community health – and highlighted how ACU’s teaching translates into practice.

“My studies have strengthened my communication skills, cultural awareness, data reporting and health promotion knowledge,” she says.

Fix My Food launch in Tonga.

“ACU has prepared me to work collaboratively, think critically and approach health challenges with compassion and evidence-based practice.”

Looking ahead, Joyce is confident she can make a positive difference – even through small, everyday actions.

“Public health is about improving the wellbeing of communities. Small changes can still have meaningful impact, and I feel equipped to contribute locally and internationally,” she says.

Her advice to future students?

“Stay open to new experiences. Take every opportunity for practical learning, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and build connections with your lecturers and peers. Stepping outside your comfort zone is where the growth happens.”

Joyce is quick to acknowledge the support that made her journey possible, including the Australian Government through DFAT, Tonga’s Ministry of Health, ACU staff – particularly Dr Haydn Aarons – and partners involved in the Tonga Twinning Program.

For Joyce, the experience has been more than an internship. It’s been a reminder of why she chose public health in the first place – and a glimpse of the difference she hopes to make in the world.

Want an experience like Joyce? Explore courses at ACU.