Reflection on My Journey
Who Am I?

I’m Emily Chow, a high school junior from the Bay Area with a passion for public health and dermatology. My journey into UV protection advocacy wasn’t something that happened overnight, it was a process of learning, questioning, and ultimately, finding my voice.

Growing up, I used to dread sunscreen. I disliked the thick texture and the strong, chemical scent that clung to my skin. Yet, my mom would always remind me why sunscreen mattered. She often shared stories about her own experiences, not wearing sunscreen when she was younger, and now living with dark spots and moles as a result. Her persistence led us on a search across countless stores, both locally and internationally, until I finally discovered formulas that worked for me, lightweight, fragrance-free, and gentle.

Among them, my favorite has been the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen, especially since it comes in both a tube and a convenient stick form. That moment, finding something I actually liked using, was what first made me realize that protecting my skin didn’t have to be unpleasant; it could be empowering.

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What Is My Mission?

My mission extends beyond simply encouraging adolescents to use sunscreen. I want to educate, inspire, and empower youth and families to recognize that UV protection is not just a beauty routine, it’s a preventive health measure.

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UV exposure doesn’t discriminate by age, gender, or ethnicity. Its long-term risks, like premature aging and skin cancer, can begin accumulating from childhood. That’s why I created The SunSun Podcast, a space for open conversation where science meets personal stories.

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Through the podcast, I’ve had the privilege to interview healthcare leaders, including Dermatology Nurse Practitioners, Professors from top universities, Researchers, Physician Assistants, Dermatopathologists, and Dermatologists. Each guest contributes a new perspective on skin health, emphasizing how small, consistent actions can lead to lifelong benefits.

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When I talk to my peers, I often find that many know sunscreen exists but don’t understand why it matters. This gap in understanding, between awareness and action, is what motivates me every day. My podcast became my way of closing that gap.

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Using My Voice

As an adolescent, I’ve learned that my voice holds power. Even at a young age, we have the ability to influence public health conversations and build bridges between science and everyday life. My podcast is my microphone, but my message goes far beyond that, it’s about encouraging every teen to take charge of their own health.

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You can listen to The SunSun Podcast and find new episodes here. If my mission resonates with you, please take a moment to follow, share, and leave a five-star review. In the world of adolescent public health, this kind of visibility truly matters.

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Background and Significance

UV radiation is one of the most preventable causes of skin cancer, yet studies show that less than 20% of adolescents regularly use sunscreen. This statistic represents not just a lack of awareness but also a missed opportunity for prevention.

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By transforming my personal experience into advocacy, I’ve learned that storytelling can be one of the most effective tools in health education. Adolescents connect most when they hear from their peers, people who share their experiences, habits, and struggles. Through The SunSun Podcast, I aim to make sun protection relatable, evidence-based, and actionable.

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Implications for Nursing Practice

For nurses and nurse practitioners, my journey reinforces how youth engagement can play a critical role in health promotion. Nurses often serve as educators, mentors, and community leaders. Partnering with youth advocates can amplify these efforts, allowing health messages to reach audiences that traditional outreach sometimes misses.

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My initiative demonstrates how adolescents, when given the right tools and guidance, can co-create public health content and contribute meaningfully to patient education and preventive care.

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Implications for Education

From a public-health education standpoint, integrating peer-to-peer communication into adolescent health programs can dramatically improve understanding and compliance. My podcast provides an example of how digital media platforms can supplement classroom learning by bringing in expert voices and accessible health information.

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When education meets creativity, students can transform from passive learners into active advocates.

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Implications for Research and Policy

Research shows that early intervention and awareness campaigns are most effective when they target adolescents before unhealthy habits form. Policymakers and public-health researchers can leverage youth-led initiatives to improve long-term behavioral outcomes. Supporting youth-driven projects like The SunSun Podcast could serve as a model for community-based participatory research, where data collection and awareness coexist to shape healthier futures.

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Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The SunSun Podcast began as a passion project but has since evolved into a micro-entrepreneurial platform. By managing content creation, social media outreach, branding, and guest outreach, I’ve developed real-world skills in leadership and health communication. This experience taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit, it’s about innovation and purpose. Using my creativity to spread awareness about UV protection has helped me bridge the gap between public health and digital media.

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Author Bio

Emily Chow is a high school student and public health advocate from the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the creator and host of The SunSun Podcast, where she interviews healthcare professionals about skin health, UV safety, and dermatology awareness. As a contributor to the Mahogany Dermatology Nursing | Education | Research™ platform, Emily brings a unique youth perspective to health promotion. Outside of writing and podcasting, she interns at the California Academy of Sciences and continues to pursue opportunities that combine education, health, and innovation.

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© 2025 Emily Chow. All rights reserved.

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