From Zoom to London to Chicago: When Online Classmates Meet in Real Life

Rutgers Health students Brianna Vo and Luis Cordero befriended each other while studying abroad and returned with a lasting bond

Brianna Vo and Luis Cordero, both graduate students and Wellness PHirst Ambassadors at the Rutgers School of Public Health, were online classmates before they ever met in person, interacting through virtual courses while living in different states.

Their first face-to-face experience came during the January winter break in London through the School of Public Health's global learning course, "Public Health Aspects of HIV Prevention and Care."

After returning from London, Vo and Cordero stayed in touch - eventually reconnecting in Chicago. Both students discuss their story and how studying abroad turned virtual classmates into genuine friends.

How did meeting in person during the London study-abroad program shape your friendship and connection beyond the classroom?

Vo: While traveling abroad, I expected to make some new friends, especially with the size of our London cohort, but I didn't anticipate meeting someone who would have such a significant impact on my life in such a short time. London brought me to Luis, one of my online classmates.

Even though Luis lives in Chicago and I am based in New Jersey, our friendship continued beyond London, and we have been keeping in touch.

When I visited some friends in Chicago recently, I reached out to Luis to reconnect. Since the day we met, Luis has been incredibly supportive, personally, professionally and academically. He has also taught me patience and encouraged me to see the brighter side of every situation. He even took care of me when my flights were canceled, and I found myself stranded in Chicago.

Cordero: Meeting Bri in London after taking an online course together was both unexpected and meaningful. Although we only interacted virtually, meeting her in person made it immediately clear how self-driven, thoughtful and passionate she is about creating change.

Additionally, during the London trip, I reconnected with several classmates I had only known online, making the experience feel more like a reunion than a first meeting.

Our friendship naturally continued beyond London, and after staying in touch, Bri visited Chicago for spring break. Despite travel delays and a flight cancellation, we were able to turn a stressful situation into a meaningful one by hosting her and reconnecting over our capstone projects and future work at Rutgers and beyond.

What impact did studying abroad have on your public health graduate experience, and how did it deepen your engagement with classmates?

Studying abroad strengthened my appreciation for the power of community building. Public health is truly a team effort, and meaningful change requires collaboration.

Luis Cordero

Master of Public Health Student

Vo: I have participated in two study abroad courses since I began my Master of Public Health program at Rutgers. These courses have significantly enhanced my personal and professional perspectives and knowledge.

The first program I participated in was in Colombia, where I encountered incredible people from both Rutgers School of Public Health and La Universidad Autónoma de Manizales.

The second and most recent program I attended was in London, focused on HIV care and prevention. This program truly demonstrated how even small differences in health care systems can have a significant impact on communities. I learned that the belief in the importance of lived experience shapes their approach to various situations, allowing them to tailor their responses to better address different needs.

Cordero: Studying abroad strengthened my appreciation for the power of community building. Public health is truly a team effort, and meaningful change requires collaboration.

Building a friendship with Bri was a central part of that experience, as it gave me insight into her work in pharmacy and her perspective on the disparities patients face when accessing medications. Our conversations about insurance barriers, affordability and systemic challenges in the U.S. health care system brought a real-world depth to what we learn in the classroom.

Engaging with classmates and faculty in London created space for deeper, more meaningful discussions. One of the most impactful parts of the experience was our commitment to wellness. Bri and I consistently woke up at 6 a.m. for morning walks, often joined by Dr. Pérez-Figueroa. Those walks became a space not only for reflection, but also for learning.

What advice would you give to students looking to connect across learning modalities or academic programs?

Stepping out of your comfort zone can really help you grow both mentally and physically. Instead of getting caught up in all the 'what ifs,' try to focus on 'what's next' because there are always new opportunities waiting for you.

Brianna Vo

Master of Public Health Student

Vo: If there's one piece of advice I'd give to students wanting to connect across different programs and learning styles, it's to go for it. Taking that leap can be a little scary, but the rewards are definitely worth it.

Stepping out of your comfort zone can really help you grow both mentally and physically. Instead of getting caught up in all the "what ifs," try to focus on "what's next" because there are always new opportunities waiting for you.

Cordero: My biggest advice to hybrid students is to be intentional about building connections. Even if someone starts as just a name on a screen in an online class, take the initiative to reach out; you never know how impactful that connection can become. Meeting Bri showed me that some of the most meaningful relationships can come from simply taking that first step.

Additionally, reach out to students in the program who are already doing the work you aspire to do, because every conversation, every connection and every moment of courage to engage brings you one step closer to the future you've been working so hard to build.