Strengthening Skills
Ohio Wesleyan Student Uses Media Internship to Build Skills for Public Health Career
Name: Gabby Gonzalez-Duarte '26
Home Country: Venezuela
High School: Riverview High School
Majors: Public Health, Psychology, and Politics & Government
OWU Connection Experience: Summer internship
"I completed an internship at Solmart Media LLC, where I gained hands-on experience in radio broadcasting and media production. I participated in live radio programs, learned to edit audio within broadcast timeframes, and drafted community announcements. In addition, I researched and compiled a comprehensive list of over 60 local events spanning June to November, which was used to support programming and outreach."
I was able to see how media can be used to connect with and inform diverse communities, which is closely tied to my long-term goal of working in public health and promoting health equity.
Why This Experience?
"Even though the internship was not directly related to my majors, it was very meaningful because it strengthened my skills in outreach and communication, both of which are essential in the field of public health. I was able to see how media can be used to connect with and inform diverse communities, which is closely tied to my long-term goal of working in public health and promoting health equity."
Favorite Moments
"My favorite moments were when I had the chance to record programs with guest speakers and when I learned how to edit the sound we recorded. Recording with guests was exciting because I was part of the live process of sharing information with the community. Editing was also meaningful to me because it felt rewarding to take a long program and shape it into exactly what was needed for broadcast. It showed me how much skill and detail go into creating something clear and impactful for listeners."
Lessons Learned
"From this internship, I learned how important communication and outreach are for connecting with diverse audiences, skills that directly tie into my classroom learning in public health. I also developed practical abilities, like writing clear messages for the community and editing audio to make information more engaging and accessible. These lessons connect to my future plans because I want to work in public health, where communicating effectively with different populations is essential. Experiences like this matter because they give you the chance to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real-world settings, while also building new skills that you can carry into your career."
Campus Involvements
"On campus, I serve as co-president of VIVA, the Latino student organization, and I served as president of the Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs (WCSA) for the academic year 2024-2025. I am a member of the Politics & Government Student Board and a fellow in the Presidential Fellows Program (CSPC). I also work as a psychology tutor at the Sagan Academic Resource Center and live in La Casa, where I serve as moderator. In addition, I am a member of the Pre-Health Club."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose Ohio Wesleyan because of its small class sizes, which allow me to build close relationships with professors and classmates. I was also drawn to the many opportunities to study abroad and the ability to work closely with professors on research and funded projects. The small campus community, themed housing options, and the flexibility to pursue double or even triple majors without unnecessary red tape made Ohio Wesleyan the perfect fit for me."
Plans After Graduation
"After graduation, I plan to pursue further education, most likely a master's degree in public health. Ohio Wesleyan is helping me prepare for this goal through Career Connection, where I work closely with the Career Catalyst to refine my resume, build strong job-searching skills, and practice interviewing. These resources, along with the academic and leadership opportunities I've had on campus, are giving me the tools and confidence I need to succeed in graduate school and beyond."