When Emilia Fitzgerald began university, she thought her future might lie in the sciences. But somewhere between chemistry labs and lectures, she realized what drew her interest most was understanding health-care systems and focusing on a preventive approach to health.
Now graduating from H漫画 University鈥檚 Bachelor of Health Promotion program in the Faculty of Health, Emilia is preparing to continue that work in Dal鈥檚 Master of Health Promotion program this fall.
Originally from Truro, she initially enrolled in a Bachelor of Science but transferred into Health Promotion after realizing the hard sciences weren鈥檛 the right fit. The change transformed her understanding of health care and where she could make an impact.
鈥淏eing able to look upstream and focus on prevention really resonated with me,鈥� Emilia says. 鈥淲orking to prevent people from needing health care as much in the first place is really necessary right now.鈥�
Working to prevent people from needing health care as much in the first place is really necessary right now.
That perspective became central to her studies and, eventually, her internship with the Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions Health Promotion team. There, Emilia helped facilitate workshops addressing stigma around mental health and substance use, contributed to writing projects, and collaborated with community partners across a range of health-promotion initiatives.
- Every graduate has a story. This is one of them. Follow along as we share more each day throughout Spring Convocation.
Where learning meets community
One project, in particular, left a lasting impression.
Building on her honours research with Dr. Debbie Martin exploring participatory approaches in Indigenous health research in Atlantic Canada, Emilia worked with the Indigenous student support worker at Millwood High School to strengthen connections between the school and Nova Scotia Health鈥檚 Mental Health and Addictions Health Promotion team.
What began as a conversation soon evolved into a student-led community project centered on culture, belonging, and representation.
鈥淭he students had expressed a need for more of their culture in the built environment of the school,鈥� Emilia explains. 鈥淪o, we brainstormed a way to create a project that incorporated their voices.鈥�
The students had expressed a need for more of their culture in the built environment of the school.
Students wanted a permanent art installation that reflected Mi鈥檏maw culture and their connection to the nearby Sackville River. Emilia helped coordinate the process, presenting students with artwork options from local artists before the group ultimately selected a piece by Mi鈥檏maw artist Loretta Gould.
The decision-making process itself became a meaningful act of collaboration. During a lunch gathering with students and an Elder, participants discussed the symbolism and teachings within each piece before voting on the final selection.
鈥淚t was really inspiring to see the passion from the youth and from the Elder involved,鈥� says Emilia. 鈥淵ou learn about community-based initiatives in class, but actually seeing the impact and the excitement around it was different.鈥�
The project culminated in a school-wide celebration ceremony this spring featuring traditional Mi鈥檏maw foods, a smudging and blessing led by an Elder, and a Land Welcome delivered by one of the students.
What started as a small initiative quickly spread throughout the school community.
鈥淭he learning center heard about it and wanted to be involved too,鈥� Emilia says. 鈥淧eople were excited about it.鈥�
Growing through collaboration
In addition to the project鈥檚 cultural significance, the experience also taught Emilia practical lessons about navigating timelines, balancing community priorities, and building relationships rooted in respect and collaboration.
鈥淚t really showed me how important community-engaged work is,鈥� she says.
Emilia credits the Health Promotion program鈥檚 close-knit environment and strong community connections for helping prepare her for that work. She was also supported in her studies by entrance scholarships and an in-course scholarship in 2025 which allowed her to concentrate less on finances and focus more on her studies and volunteer work.
鈥淥ne of the entrance awards I received was the 鈥楥ommunity Leadership鈥� award, which was motivational when I started my degree. It inspired me to continue to be involved in communities and grow as a leader,鈥� she says.
She also credits the Health Promotion program with inspiring her to follow her interest in community work. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a small program, but the professors are so connected with community members,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had so many professionals come in and talk about their work, which really helped me see the possibilities in the field.鈥�
This fall, Emilia will continue exploring those possibilities as she begins graduate studies. She will continue a journey that started with uncertainty but evolved into a clear sense of purpose.
鈥淚鈥檓 very glad I made the switch,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t completely changed the direction of where I want to go.鈥�