Why did you choose to attend Tulane SPHTM?
Before Tulane, I was enrolled in an accelerated Master of Science in Medical Sciences program that focused heavily on academic success in preparation for medical school. There I was, taking notes on communicable diseases such as MRSA, and how it is widely spread in homes, hospitals, and through skin-to-skin contact, and thinking, "How is the community keeping themselves from transporting these diseases?” I had to learn more about preventative measures and use them to educate my community and others on the micro- and macro-levels of infectious diseases. From that moment on, I knew that a Master of Public Health was necessary and aligned with my aspirations. I will always say that Tulane found me, and communicated with their hospitality that community isn’t just embedded in the curriculum but who they are, and where I needed to be. Now I’m not only learning, but actively taking part in various systems of change through global health, public policy, and programming as a community health advocate and future physician. Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is evidence that more is possible with the right support!
Why are you interested in volunteering as an SPHTM Student Ambassador?
I want to encourage online students to pursue their degree as Tulane students and know they can still have a quality experience as if they were on campus. Seeing how I balance my journey as a pre-medical student and full-time employee, I hope it will serve as a testimony to the true essence of choosing Tulane SPHTM—community and compassion. With that, it would be an honor to serve as a School of Public Health Student Ambassador.
What's your dream job?
My dream job is to become an Internal medicine physician or cardiothoracic surgeon and practice holistic medicine globally. By creating non-profit community health centers that teach preventative medicine, health education, and financial literacy where needed.
What advice would you give someone thinking about getting a degree in public health?
Quality mentorship is essential to developing your career path! Reach out to those in public health if you don’t have them and do your research before applying to a professional program such as public health. I love global health, traveling, and medicine, so that made my transition into public health much smoother with the help of great mentors. Also, if public health is what you truly want, please do it; we need people like you to secure change for our generation and those to come!
Any hobbies, interests, etc. outside of public health?
I love learning new languages, traveling, creating pottery, and archery! I also create videos and host community sessions on my YouTube channel and blog site as I document the highs and lows of becoming a woman, balancing my many ambitions and faith as The Holistic Hottiee. I speak from a big sister perspective as we laugh, cry, and get real about life, but in a space that is safe and grounded in faith and family!
What is the best thing about being a student at SPHTM thus far?
The flexibility of choosing your classes and having an enjoyable life outside of the usual classroom setting while having such supportive faculty and alumni! It truly makes all the difference when you come from a connected community, and the study-aboard options make the program that much better!
