How to create a compelling Graduate School application

Garrett Chism is a dedicated healthcare leader with 30 years of experience. Garrett trained and worked as a Paramedic in Los Angeles, then moved to Denver, Colorado to work with the Denver Health Paramedic Division. Garrett has served in a variety of roles in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) including field trainer, dispatcher, educator, administrator, speaker, and author.

Garrett transitioned into hospital administration, working for Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado shortly after it opened. Garrett was responsible for EMS, trauma, and disaster preparedness. This work included oversight of EMS and Trauma medical direction, quality improvement, and education throughout the region. Garrett is an active participant at both regional and state stakeholder groups and has received commendations in the field including EMS innovation, trauma and disaster preparedness best practices. In 2010, Garrett returned to academia as affiliate faculty in the Health Care Management program at MSU Denver; from which he is an Alum.

In 2020, Garrett transitioned to academia full-time as the Director for the Master of Health Administration program at Metropolitan State University Denver. Garrett serves on a variety University committees including graduate council, the health institute, and the College of Health and Human Services. Garrett is an active participant in local, regional, and national health care administration education groups. In 2022, MSU Denver College of Health and Human Services recognized Garrett with the Collaboration award. In addition to academia, Garrett continues to work as a Paramedic for the STAR program in Denver.

Garrett volunteers as an advisory board member for the Denver Medical Study Group, and the National Association of Latino Health Care Executives.

Garrett studied and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management from MSU Denver, and a Master’s Degree in Business from Regis University. Garrett is currently pursuing his fellowship with the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Garrett enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends. “The girls” Julia, Reese, and Chloe are the center of his world, along with Bintu and Zulu (Goldendoodles) and Hank, Skylar, Tuff Puff, and Neville Nigel Otis the 1st (Cats)… also known as the fur children.

Marcos Gomez-Corona Graduated in 2022 from MSU Denver with a B.S. in Exercise Science. He was a part of the DACA & Undocumented Student Health Career Opportunity Program in 2020-2021. During his time in the program, he performed research on the shortage of physical activity resources for the Hispanic community and presented at the 2021 Undergraduate Research Conference. Marcos immigrated from Mexico to Colorado at the age of 3 and grew up in the Aurora/Denver area. His strong ties and loyalty to the community have led to him volunteering as an interpreter at the DAWN Clinic which offers pro-bono healthcare services to the uninsured population in Aurora. He is passionate about helping others live an active lifestyle and using exercise as a way to improve overall physical and mental health. Marcos is currently a 1st year student in the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He is the PT Moves Me Ambassador for his class and works on doing community outreach to underserved schools in Aurora. 

Aaron Dye has been a resident of Aurora and Denver for over three decades. With a deep-rooted passion for medicine, Aaron embarked on a significant academic pursuit at MSU Denver, focusing on degrees in Biology and Chemistry and taking on the role of student representative for the developing Health Institute under Dr. Emily Matuszewicz. Alongside this educational journey, Aaron earned an EMT license through the Denver Health Paramedic Division and spent time in the emergency department at the University of Colorado Hospital. In 2023, Aaron's dedication led to acceptance into the University of Colorado School of Medicine as a first-year medical student (MS1).

Hello, my name is Lissette Uribe. I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2020 with minors in Ethnic Studies and Sociology. I took a 2-year gap before starting my master's program. In those two years I wanted to save enough money to afford my education which is something I have been learning to do since my undergrad days. It took me a really long time to understand the ins and outs of being an educated, first-generation, student of color. I didn't know what FAFSA was, I didn't know that I could drop a class before a certain date and still get my money, I didn't know that going to office hours is a game changer. There was so much to learn, but no one to show me the ropes. However, as my people do and have taught me, I persevered and fought tooth and nail to earn my place as a master's graduate student. Currently, I am working at a non-profit as an engagement specialist teaching students social emotional learning, college and career prep through enrichment activities and curriculum. My overall goal is to become a middle school therapist and make this knowledge gap I had (and many first-gen BIPOC students have) on higher education smaller and more attainable because we deserve a seat at the table too. 

My name is Maricarmen Rodriguez Jara, a DACAmented, first generation Latina. I am from Durango, Mexico but grew up in Denver. Working with youth has always been a passion of mine, I strive to support them in achieving success in whatever way they choose to define it. I am also a huge advocate for mental health and especially helping destigmatize mental health in the BIPOC communities. I received my Bachelor's of Science from MSU in Human Services and Counseling with a High-Risk Youth Studies concentration. Currently, I am enrolled in the Masters of Social work program at MSU. I am actively involved in the community through my diverse roles. I am an educator at Girls Inc of Metro Denver, a DUHOP Fellow, and a participant of the CDPHE program.