Outstanding Graduate: Julia Constance Lyell from the School of Communication

Health Communication major Lyell recognized by the School of Communication as Outstanding Graduate.

by Taylor Harris

May 11, 2022

Julia Constance Lyell isn’t your average college graduate. Not only is she a full-time student, but a business owner and teacher as well. Jumping from boss to student can be overwhelming, but Lyell’s drive and effort have allowed her to excel and accomplish much during her time at SDSU.

“My research was selected to be presented at the Student Research Symposium this year. My project entitled ‘All Gays Go to Heaven’ explored internalized institutional discourse from religious affiliation and how it is called on consciously and unconsciously as LGBTQ+ individuals come out,” Lyell says. “As a queer woman, I felt compelled to elevate queer narratives in academic spaces. My presentation was awarded one of the ten Undergraduate Research Excellence Awards.”

Lyell has always enjoyed lifting up and connecting with others, which is what inspired her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Health Communication. However, it wasn’t until taking communication and health courses at SDSU that Lyell realized how to turn her passion into a career.

“I find myself leaving SDSU with much more than a degree and a diploma; I now feel I have a purpose,” Lyell says. “ Learning about the complex and often flawed healthcare system in the U.S. has allowed me to refocus my ambition. I plan to channel my passion for helping others into patient advocacy for marginalized communities.” 

Lyell’s time as a teacher not only has given her good practice for a career in advocacy but has only furthered her love for helping others. Through teaching, she gained experience fostering an inclusive environment and learning how to manage and accommodate specific needs.

As Lyell leaves SDSU with fierce confidence and determination, she hopes that the skills and empathy she and her fellow classmates have gained from the program will create everlasting change in the world.

“It is my firm belief that this generation of graduates will be at the forefront of uprooting racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism from our healthcare system and society at large,” Lyell said.

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.

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