Student Spotlight: Magali Flores, MPH-HSB ’19

Your summer practicum was focused on mental healthcare access for recently deported Latino men living in Mexico. Can you tell us how you first became interested in this population?

My interest in immigration, deportation, and mental health outcomes stems from my family’s and my immigrant experiences. Our varied interactions with health, government, and housing systems allowed me to realize the importance in learning and working with immigrant families while looking to improve existing health systems. My specific interest in this population flourished during my Spring 1 quarter this past year, when I took a qualitative research methods class taught by Professor Yousafzai. One of our first assignments asked us to choose a public health issue of global concern and come up with a proposal for a qualitative research project. As I sifted through the news, I saw how headline after headline detailed new policy initiatives like extended expedited removal, a plan to expand the existing immigration enforcement process where people are denied entry or deported without due process of law if they are found on 100 miles from the United States border. Executive Orders like 13767, Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvement were intended to increase both the number and speed of deportations. The growing number of people being deported and families separated stood out to me as a growing global public health issue of concern.

The fact that surprised me and stirred me up the most came when I read that 91% of deportees are men aged 32-50 years old. Although I have mainly focused my public health career on issues affecting women and children, reading these facts pushed me to think about how these overwhelming numbers of middle aged men being deported affected families, their health and well being. I wondered how my family would have faired if my grandfather, who picked apples in Idaho for over 35 years, or my father, who has spent most of his life working in the manufacturing sector, would have been deported. These men, labeled illegal aliens, are also fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, friends, providers, and community members. How was this affecting their health? What about the families they were leaving behind? I decided then to write my proposal on this topic.

Tell us about your host organization and your experiences interviewing the clients and service providers.

My host organization this summer was Casa del Migrante, which translates to, House of the Migrant. Known in the south border migrant resource network as the largest, oldest, and well established migrant haven in Tijuana, this men’s shelter is more like a life transformation center. A 33 year old organization funded by Catholic Missionaries, Casa del Migrante has grown and become a network of havens around Mexico and Guatemala.

I worked in the headquarter house located in Tijuana. They open their doors to anyone who is in the process of migration, is away from their home at the moment, can prove they are traveling (bus ticket, etc.), and has not been in Tijuana for longer than seven days. Casa del Migrante receives migrants from all over the world every day, and 90% of the house is made up of recently deported men from the United States. These migrant men receive shelter, food, spiritual guidance, and basic medical/legal/labor/psychological resources. One of the aspects of the shelter that surprised me the most is their robust volunteer system. The shelter hosts volunteers from all over to help with daily tasks, and many local Tijuanenses pitch in with donations. All the meal prep is done by volunteers. Grandmas, neighbors, and retirees, are seen everyday from 5am when it is time to prepare breakfast until 6pm when it is time to wash all dishes from dinner. Aside from direct services, Casa Migrante also works with other human rights and research organizations to shed light on issues affecting migrant populations.

I remember naively thinking I would be able to conduct interviews and interact with migrants during business hours, but soon found out that would not be possible. I learned that the shelter has a very strict but intentional rhythm of life. At 6:30am, migrants rise, shower, change, have breakfast, or take it to go, because by 7:30am everyone has to be out. No one is allowed back inside until 3pm. That is because, as soon as new migrants enter the shelter, they are connected with a Labor Social Worker that helps them get their legal documents in order (Identification, Birth Certificate, Voter ID, etc.) and they find a job. I met men who were working within two days of having been deported. Those who took a bit longer, would still have to leave the shelter during the day, and were encouraged to walk and get to know the city. This meant, that the only window of time I had to do my interviews was between 3-5pm because that was the only time they had for leisure.

After learning more of the Casa’s functionality, rhythm, and purpose, I began interviewing recently deported men. Upon the advice of a staff member, I made it a point to make participants feel more at ease during the interview by having snacks. I soon became known as the “cookie lady” which I found to be an endearing term. During my eight weeks at the shelter, I interviewed recently deported men, direct services professionals, administrators, volunteers, and other mental health professionals outside of the shelter. I wouldn’t trade my summer experience, or my host organization for anything in the world. Although I don’t plan on pursuing a research career, going out to another country, to an unfamiliar city, and engaging in the research process reaffirmed for me how truly important it is to gain insight from both individuals experiencing an event such as deportation, as well as direct service providers who are a wealth of knowledge. These perspectives are not only important to the process of knowledge creation, but also in creating equitable health systems and policies.

In addition to the qualitative research methods class, what other courses were particularly good preparation for this project?

I found the material I learned during my Health Communications in the 21st Century class with Professor Viswanath very useful. Particularly towards the end of my project, when I chose to present my findings to the migrants and staff. Learning how to effectively communicate research to the participants was a very important learning experience for me. There was no better reward than having them be engaged, asking questions, and sharing suggestions for me to add to my report.

Another class that prepared me for my summer practicum was Mexican Health Systems, Reform and Implementation with Professor Reich. This is a class I took during Jterm (Winter session) at the beginning of this year. We had traveled to rural Chiapas and learned about health issues affecting indigenous communities, and the different health systems that existed there. We were also able to compare this experience with health services offered in Mexico City. In three unbelievable, but arduous weeks, my peers and I were also able to collaborate with a Mexican health agency and take on a consulting project. The familiarity with the Mexican health system was very useful this summer.

Lastly, what is your advice to the incoming MPH-HSB-65 students regarding the practicum?

Honestly, listen to your gut. I never would have imagined that me, the daughter of immigrants, grand-daughter of farmworkers, a product of public education, low-income housing, and other social programs would be at this school. My experience has taught me to never waste an opportunity. Coming into Harvard, where a buffet of opportunities exist, this sense of aspiration augmented, bringing with it some anxiety. You know, because as of now, we can only exist in one place at one time.

When it came to summer opportunities, I had a plan A, B, and C. My first option was to work in a large health agency where I would broaden my network and further my policy and administrative skills. Doors opened to me there. My second option was to work with a health policy organization that was doing advocacy work in the issues I cared about, doors also opened to me there. My third option, and I applied very last minute because I did not think I was qualified, was to submit a proposal for a research project surrounding mental health and deportation. To my surprise, here too, the doors opened. For any incoming student concerned about whether or not they will find the right practicum opportunity for them during the summer, my advice would be DON’T WORRY, the doors will open! The privilege that comes with being a student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is immense, and still unbelievable to me at times. The issue you will need more wisdom to work through will be, which door will you walk through?

When faced with this predicament, I decided to take it back to my roots. Why was I at this school? What skills did I want to focus on, gain, or improve during a class-free summer? What network would be most helpful to me in the future? and lastly, where would I be able to make an impact? These are questions only you can answer for yourself. After considering these questions, my gut told me to go with the option that scared me the most: pursuing my own independent research project abroad. And I am so glad I made that decision.

Lastly, remember that one summer can help guide your career, but it does not determine your career. Make the best of any growing opportunity, but come into your summer practicum search with an attitude of growth. Because regardless of which opportunity you decide to take, the best indicator of your overall experience will be your attitude. You really will get what you put in. Now, go forth, grow, and bring good public health to the world!

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– Interview by Whitney Waddell

Interview has been edited for length and clarity.