Discovering public health: A transformative internship experience

Written by Arianie Esperon, edited by April Houston

Arianie Esperon

Hello! My name is Arianie Esperon, and I’m a senior biology major at Harris-Stowe State University. This May, I had the opportunity to intern with the St. Louis Department of Health’s (DOH) HIV and STI Prevention Department—an experience that challenged my assumptions, expanded my perspective, and inspired me to consider new directions in my future career.

I am taking so much away from my time with the DOH. Before this internship, I thought that HIV prevention was only for use by specific communities. But one of the biggest things I learned was that PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are not just for LGBTQ+ individuals—they are for anyone who is sexually active and at risk. That shift in understanding was eye-opening, and showed me how public health messaging—and the gaps within it—can shape what people know, or don’t know, about their options for protection.

A particularly impactful moment for me was learning about the disparities in access to HIV prevention and care, especially among Black women and other people of color in St. Louis. I saw how limited access to testing, condoms, clinics, and education can directly affect entire communities. That realization made me appreciate just how vital public health work is—and how it’s not just about medicine or science, but also about equity, access, and trust.

During my internship, I shadowed different parts of the department, especially the Health Stop—their walk-in clinic for HIV and STI testing. I was even able to sit in on real patient testing sessions, where I observed professionals interacting with patients in ways that were informative, respectful, and stigma-free. Witnessing this firsthand taught me how compassion and clarity can make a big difference in the healthcare experience.

I met DOH team members who handle everything from community outreach and condom distribution to social media and clinic data management. Every person I encountered played a unique role in helping the department run smoothly and serve the public. I hadn’t expected to learn so much from behind-the-scenes work, but seeing how all these moving parts come together gave me a new respect for the field. The HIV prevention program manager, Tyrell Manning, was especially helpful during the experience, and I am so grateful for his support. 

One of the reasons I applied for this program was because of Dr. Bashir, a biology professor I truly admire. She encouraged her students to apply, saying it would be a valuable opportunity. I’m so glad I listened to her advice.

This experience helped me see how I can blend my love of science with meaningful service. I’ve always known I wanted to help people, but now I’m seriously considering pursuing a career in public health. Soon I will also receive phlebotomy training, which is another exciting step toward building my skills in healthcare.

Overall, this internship helped me grow not just academically, but personally. It made me more curious, more aware, and more committed to being part of solutions that meet people where they are. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.