Serah Njoroge

Serah Njoroge’s UMass Lowell experience has been full of surprises. 

Njoroge was nervous about transferring to UMass Lowell, because she didn’t like change. She’d heard that the Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab was one of the toughest courses to pass, so she braced for the worst. And she almost didn’t accept an invitation to join the Honors College, because she thought it would be too much work on top of managing a full course load and a part-time job. 

“Now, as a senior looking back, transferring to UMass Lowell was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” says Njoroge, a public health major who transferred from Northern Essex Community College. “From my first semester at UML, I felt supported and welcomed.”

The Zuckerberg College of Heath Sciences’ Transfer Student Seminar helped Njoroge adjust to a new university, Human Anatomy and Physiology turned out to be one of her favorite classes, and the Honors College offered her a chance to study abroad.

“From the moment I arrived, I’ve felt supported in so many ways, especially academically,” says Njoroge. “So many faculty and staff members have taken the time to guide, support and inspire me, and I’m really grateful for that.”

Njoroge is excited about working within the public health profession to create change on a broad level, especially within underserved and marginalized communities.  

“Public health is a diverse and fulfilling field that allows me to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Njoroge, who grew up in Kenya. “My mom, who taught me the value of hard work, resilience and compassion, inspires me every day to give back and uplift others.”

Njoroge studied abroad in two countries – Cuba and Spain.

“I’m really grateful that I’m in the honors program, because it opened doors I never imagined,” says Njoroge. “My first trip to Cuba turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It inspired me to take part in a second study abroad in San Sebastian, Spain.”

Njoroge is completing her honors capstone at The New England Consortium, a worker health and safety training organization at UMass Lowell. She is creating fact sheets about the impacts of heat on construction workers and about anxiety and depression within the industry. She also took part in an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training course that was offered at no cost.

“The training gave me a chance to learn in real time and network with an incredible mix of people, including Marine Corps members, fire chiefs and OSHA officials,” says Njoroge.

Once she graduates, Njoroge plans on looking for a job to build her experience while she decides which UML master’s program to pursue.

“UML has given me more than just education. It’s given me confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging,” says Njoroge. “It’s shown me that with the right people around you and a bit of faith in yourself, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”