Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal Winner Kome Obrutu

Bachelor of Health Sciences graduate Kome Obrutu (BHSc '25) stayed open to exploring possibilities during her education at ULethbridge which led her to a lot of rich learning opportunities and a wide range of experiences.

Meet Kome | Medal won: Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal
Program: Bachelor of Health Sciences | Major: Public Health

What does this academic recognition mean to you?

This recognition feels like a celebration of the support and sacrifices my family has made to get me here, and a thank you to them for always believing in me. Their unwavering support has truly made all the difference in my journey. For me, this is a motivation to keep working toward my goals and a reminder that the effort is always worth it.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

I’ve had many memorable experiences, but one that stands out is working as a student mentor. It was a role I never imagined myself in and I didn’t think I could do, but I decided to take a chance on myself. Stepping into that role helped me break through a lot of self-doubt, and I gained confidence in my ability to lead, connect with others, and trust myself more. After that, I felt more comfortable exploring other opportunities, which ended up shaping my path in unexpected and meaningful ways.

What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at ULethbridge?

The most important lesson I learned at ULethbridge is to take a chance on myself and stay open to exploring new possibilities. Over the years, I found myself saying yes to things I wasn’t entirely sure about, like signing up for courses outside my program, and getting involved in research and community projects. Some of those choices ended up shaping my interests and helping me figure out what I want to do after graduation. Trusting myself to explore made my university experience richer than I ever expected.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

Throughout my time at ULethbridge, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many professors who have all been impactful in different ways. One person who especially shaped my understanding of public health is Keltie Hamilton. The classes I took with Keltie challenged me to think deeply about important issues, and the assignments pushed me to develop a stronger, more critical perspective.

Another major influence was Dr. Richard Larouche. I took a few classes with him but my experience working with his research group over the summer was especially meaningful. It gave me the chance to apply my research skills and opened the door to additional opportunities, like the applied studies project with the City of Lethbridge, where he served as my supervisor. Dr. Larouche’s patience and support were invaluable to my growth, and I’m grateful for his mentorship.

Outside of academics, my supervisors at the University Library, Jesse Malinsky and Marnie Rogstad, also had a significant impact on my journey. They were understanding of my academic commitments and consistently encouraging, creating a supportive environment that helped me balance work and school. I truly appreciate their kindness and support throughout my university journey.

What are your plans for the future?

My hope for the future is to build on the skills and experiences I’ve gained at ULethbridge to make a meaningful impact in public health. I plan to pursue graduate studies to deepen my knowledge and research skills. Ultimately, I want to work in research and policy focused on addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity, especially for under served communities.

What advice would you give to those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

My advice would be to stay open to new experiences and give yourself room to explore. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone no matter what that looks like, whether it’s trying courses outside your program, getting involved in research, doing an applied study or joining a club. ULethbridge offers many opportunities to help you discover interests and strengths you didn’t know you had. Also, take time to figure out your support system. That might be family, friends, counsellors, ormentors. Having people you can lean on will make a big difference when things get tough because there will be hard days. Most importantly, trust yourself and be patient with your journey. You will figure it out, eventually.