Cindy Dong finds her passion for health communication
Cindy Dong, who grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in global health and life sciences communication and a certificate in Asian American studies. In this Q&A, she discusses what drew her to the global health and life sciences communication majors, her leadership roles in student organizations, and her involvement in the global health department. She plans to work in public health or higher education. You can watch her video interview here or on YouTube.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose to major in global health and life sciences communication because of the amount of misinformation that spread during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was frustrating to see so many people misinformed or unable to make sense of what they were reading. That experience made me realize how important clear, accessible communication is, especially when it comes to health. I also knew I wanted to help communities at a larger scale, not just individuals, which drew me toward global health. One of the coolest things I’ve learned in college is that prevention is truly the first and most powerful step in fighting disease. It sounds simple, but prevention is the foundation of public health, and it’s often overlooked.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I’m currently the Senior Advisor for the Asian American Student Union (AASU), the chair for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, and I interned with the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement (OSTFE) as an Operations Intern for SOAR.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
I’m still exploring my next steps, but I’m interested in working in either public health or higher education. I’d like to spend a few years gaining hands-on experience in one (or both!) of those fields, and then possibly pursue a master’s degree down the road.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
One of the most valuable experiences I had in CALS was working with the global health department to produce weekly student newsletters. It was such a great way to connect with students and stay involved in the program. I also loved working with my advisor team—special shoutout to Kelcey, Todd, and Megan! You all made my journey in CALS so much more meaningful.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I’m most proud of the guidance and support I’ve been able to offer to other students. Whether it was through leadership, mentorship, or just being there to listen, it’s incredibly rewarding to know I helped others find their footing.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
Don’t panic about the future, focus on being present. When I first started college, I was so wrapped up in planning for what came next that I didn’t let myself fully experience college. I obsessed over classes, grades, and having the perfect plan. But I realized that always thinking ahead was keeping me from learning out of curiosity or connecting deeply with people. Once I gave myself permission to slow down, I started learning more meaningfully, building stronger relationships, and actually enjoying the ride. College is more than a checklist, it’s a journey.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
What I love most about being a CALS student is how connected the school is to its students. It’s a smaller college, which means you have more access to resources, support, and opportunities. That sense of community has made a big difference in my experience.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Union Utopia, for sure. It was the very first Babcock flavor I tried when I came to Madison, so it has a bit of nostalgia tied to it. Plus, it’s delicious!
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
Spring and summer in Madison are unbeatable. The energy is amazing, everyone’s outside, enjoying the lakes, farmers’ markets, concerts, or just soaking up the sunshine. It’s a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.