Why did you choose to attend Tulane?
I chose to attend Tulane for a variety of reasons. Being the first public health school in the US, Tulane is well-established in the academic sector with strong public health ties locally, nationally, and globally. Alongside this, Tulane offers robust public health programs with a number of different specialities, all of which are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students from the Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine report strong graduation outcomes, thereby illustrating that they are well-prepared and highly regarded once entering and/or growing their public health careers. Personally, I was looking for a program that would provide me with rich learning opportunities from public health experts, especially those with extensive experiences in roles that I aspire to become, and opportunities for collaboration to learn from my peers. It was important to me that the academic program I chose had built-in flexibilities, to minimize disruptions to my professional and personal responsibilities. I was also looking for a program that aligned with my interests, values, and one that would equip me with the skills to work in advanced leadership roles as a public health practitioner.
Why are you interested in volunteering as a student ambassador?
It’s not too long ago that I myself was researching Doctor of Public Health programs, shortlisting which I would apply to, and preparing my application materials. I looked to experiences of current students through various means - student forums, blogs, social media, testimonials, and beyond - to help make a decision on what programs were best suited for me. It would be my honour to meet with prospective students, to share my candid experiences in Tulane’s DrPH program, and support them to find their way as they embark on their academic journeys. Getting involved in opportunities outside of my direct academic program, such as the Student Ambassador Program, also helps to foster connections with my peers and cultivate a sense of community as a student at Tulane.
What's your dream job?
A segment of public health that I am passionate about is health equity. I have witnessed first hand the barriers, challenges, and health and social disparities experienced by individuals and populations due to unfair and unjust circumstances often outside of one’s immediate control. I have also observed the beneficial impacts of interventions, which can exponentially improve health outcomes at the individual and population level when tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and communities. My dream job would provide me with the platform to identify, address, and improve population health among equity-deserving groups in collaboration with its members. A job in which together, we can support each other to ensure everyone is able to reach their full health potential.
What advice would you give someone thinking about getting a degree in public health?
If you are interested in assessing, promoting, or protecting the health of populations, this field is for you! Public health practice is incredibly rewarding and challenging. You may not always find yourself in ideal circumstances however herein lies the opportunity to mobilize transformative change that can improve the health and well-being of tens, hundreds, thousands, or millions of people in your community, region, country, and around the world. There are various careers and focus areas to choose from, many of which are hidden from the public eye as in public health we sometimes find ourselves quietly working in the background for those we serve. I would recommend to conduct research on different career pathways in public health to determine where your interests lie. Connect with folks in the field to learn about what their work looks like on a day-to-day basis and the types of roles that exist in their respective organizations. View academic program websites, attend info sessions for programs that you are curious about, connect with student ambassadors and alumni to hear about their experiences, and reach out to schools with questions to determine if the program is the right fit for you. Public health is a dynamic field with programs all around the world - it’s all about finding one that works best for you to meet your goals and interests. If you’re intrigued, go for it!
Any hobbies, interests, etc. outside of public health?
I enjoy engaging in new experiences whether it be discovering local attractions, trying out a new restaurant or coffee shop, or exploring the world. I am interested in learning about different cultures, communities, and ways of being. In my free time, you might find me volunteering in the community, mentoring youth, tackling an art project, or playing a game of I Spy.
What is the best thing about being a student at Tulane thus far?
The opportunities for experiential learning and connection! Despite being a non-residential student, I have had the privilege of shaping the experience of current and future students as a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee and providing guidance to prospective students interested in Tulane’s Doctor of Public Health program as a Student Ambassador based on my own lived experience in the program. Alongside this, I have had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans to attend a Summer Institute focused on an incredibly important public health priority, planetary health and climate change. During the Institute, I learned about practical tools and strategies to address climate adaptation and resilience based on real-life practices in New Orleans from government, health, social, and community sector experts. I was also able to participate in a tour of New Orleans where I learned about the city’s rich history and culture. Through these experiences, I have been able to meet people from all over the world, and work alongside my peers outside of traditional course settings.
