I started my MPH program this past August, and a required class is Global Health 500. From a class I signed up for out of obligation, I took away something I can only attribute to cementing my path in public health. In one of the class sessions, we spoke on the leading causes of death for women, and breast cancer accounted for 670,000 deaths annually, while detecting ovarian cancer early is nearly impossible. These statistics stayed with me long after the end of the semester. I could not believe that decades of cancer research still left an enormous gap around the world. While there are leading academic institutions and hospitals at the forefront of diminishing breast and ovarian cancers, the line of knowledge and implementation of interventions stops at various places. Those who are a part of marginalized communities, rural areas, and the uninsured are not guaranteed the same medical treatment and public health interventions as their counterparts. This health equity gap is the reason I wanted to pursue an MPH. After taking Global Health 500, I realized that my concentration in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences is the perfect blend for working towards health equity amongst women living with breast and ovarian cancer. Finding mentors in my department with similar interests, I am currently pursuing my thesis: To what extent do patients find the adapted Georgia Family Cancer History Screening Program acceptable and appropriate within the context of rural Georgia public health clinics? This project is intended to assess a free Family Cancer History Screening tool and determine its cultural relevance and effectiveness among Black and Latino patients in Southwest Georgia. Working on this project has shown me not only that this is the right path for me, but also that I can make a difference, even if it is as small as revamping a current intervention. While I credit my Global Health 500 class for opening my eyes to breast and ovarian cancer interventions, my love for public and global health began with my grandfather. As a Trinidadian-American, I have seen my grandparents go through the process of going to the hospital and worrying about a large bill. This is a major similarity I have observed between hospitals in Trinidad and those in the United States. I saw my parents worry about the never-ending piles of bills for my grandfather, and they were confused as to why fixing people needed to cause so much financial stress. This is why free and low-cost interventions for health problems are so crucial for the average person, no matter where you are in the world. My research may focus on women in rural Southwest Georgia, but I believe most interventions that start off for a specific population can be adapted to various contexts. Ideally, I would like to work as an implementation scientist and mold breast and ovarian cancer interventions across the world. Seeing my grandfather face the same financial problem in two countries showed me that something needed to be done, and it needs to be done across the world. It is not a light feat I want to take on, but I believe it is valuable to share these free interventions and shape them in ways that make it comfortable for patients to participate and engage with public health practitioners. An added aspect is training community leaders to eventually carry out these interventions without relying on outsiders. I am forever thankful that an “aha” moment in my Global Health 500 class has led me to become passionate about designing and implementing interventions that benefit women’s health across the globe.

I started my MPH program this past August, and a required class is Global Health 500. From a class I signed up for out of obligation, I took away something I can only attribute to cementing my path in public health. In one of the class sessions, we spoke on the leading causes of death for women, and breast cancer accounted for 670,000 deaths annually, while detecting ovarian cancer early is nearly impossible. These statistics stayed with me long after the end of the semester. I could not believe that decades of cancer research still left an enormous gap around the world. While there are leading academic institutions and hospitals at the forefront of diminishing breast and ovarian cancers, the line of knowledge and implementation of interventions stops at various places. Those who are a part of marginalized communities, rural areas, and the uninsured are not guaranteed the same medical treatment and public health interventions as their counterparts. This health equity gap is the reason I wanted to pursue an MPH. After taking Global Health 500, I realized that my concentration in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences is the perfect blend for working towards health equity amongst women living with breast and ovarian cancer. Finding mentors in my department with similar interests, I am currently pursuing my thesis: To what extent do patients find the adapted Georgia Family Cancer History Screening Program acceptable and appropriate within the context of rural Georgia public health clinics? This project is intended to assess a free Family Cancer History Screening tool and determine its cultural relevance and effectiveness among Black and Latino patients in Southwest Georgia. Working on this project has shown me not only that this is the right path for me, but also that I can make a difference, even if it is as small as revamping a current intervention. While I credit my Global Health 500 class for opening my eyes to breast and ovarian cancer interventions, my love for public and global health began with my grandfather. As a Trinidadian-American, I have seen my grandparents go through the process of going to the hospital and worrying about a large bill. This is a major similarity I have observed between hospitals in Trinidad and those in the United States. I saw my parents worry about the never-ending piles of bills for my grandfather, and they were confused as to why fixing people needed to cause so much financial stress. This is why free and low-cost interventions for health problems are so crucial for the average person, no matter where you are in the world. My research may focus on women in rural Southwest Georgia, but I believe most interventions that start off for a specific population can be adapted to various contexts. Ideally, I would like to work as an implementation scientist and mold breast and ovarian cancer interventions across the world. Seeing my grandfather face the same financial problem in two countries showed me that something needed to be done, and it needs to be done across the world. It is not a light feat I want to take on, but I believe it is valuable to share these free interventions and shape them in ways that make it comfortable for patients to participate and engage with public health practitioners. An added aspect is training community leaders to eventually carry out these interventions without relying on outsiders. I am forever thankful that an “aha” moment in my Global Health 500 class has led me to become passionate about designing and implementing interventions that benefit women’s health across the globe.

A commitment I want to build for my future and my community is working towards health equity. While a daunting task, it is an important goal so that marginalized communities have more trust in the healthcare system and autonomy over their physical and mental health. I have hope for the future because every week when I volunteer at the Winship Cancer Institute, I see firsthand the interactions between struggling patients and volunteers. Patients have a sense of hope and happiness once volunteers arrive. A patient’s only goal should be focusing on getting better, not worrying about whether they can afford their next appointment. This showed me their resilience in not only fighting to get better, but maintaining a positive attitude when adequate care is not always accessible. The difficulty in getting affordable treatment, especially for minority populations, is an inequality I cannot ignore. This led to my initial interest in a public health career, and I wanted to build up communities. I want to contribute to increasing access to healthcare resources for our most vulnerable populations. I plan to build on my experience as an intern in the pediatrician clinic at Meharry Medical College. Marginalized populations are more susceptible to reduced access to care, and I saw how the clinic addressed these disparities to improve health equity. A lot of patients, especially mothers, arrive scared for their child’s health, and on top of this stressful feeling, there is a language barrier with the staff. At the clinic, I used my medical Spanish skills to ensure that patients and their families understood their diagnoses. While many people may overlook something as simple as communication, I cherished the moments when I could communicate and connect with someone in a way that was most comfortable to them and eased a mother’s worry about her newborn. Over time, I built trust with patients, encouraging ongoing engagement in future visits, which is critical for preventive care. Every person walks into a healthcare setting with preconceived notions based on their experiences, so I strove to provide the same level of care to English and non-English-speaking patients. My experience made me see how essential it is to have public health solutions now, from improving everyday interactions in a clinic to global interventions that resolve problems that affect millions. Something as simple as providing a smile when you interact with patients, or lend a helping hand can really go a long way in healthcare. Reflecting on my time in the clinic, I want to create practical solutions to make a more equitable world by advocating for underserved communities. With my experience working with different communities, I understand that every city, every zip code, and every house has a distinctive need. When I become a public health director, I aim to fulfill the specific needs of my community while applying long-term solutions. I will take with me my volunteering experiences to remember what a simple act of kindness can do for a patient, especially going through difficult times. Public health professionals need to provide preventive services, especially for vulnerable populations, but most importantly to treat patients like people. This can be done by volunteering at underserved clinics. As a result, fewer people will suffer from chronic conditions. This is how I know my commitment to build a better future for my community will succeed. I am driven to have an impact on public health to build on the foundation of my public health interests and experiences and to aid me in providing a collaborative approach to systemic change at a local level.

As a mas wire-bender, my grandfather was extremely skilled in creating larger-than-life costumes for Carnival. This intricate art required significant physical labor, which took a toll on him after his long career, resulting in arthritis. In Trinidad, the public healthcare system leaves many vulnerable to inadequate resources due to the few public hospitals in the area. My grandfather is one of many people who put his trust in the system and hoped he could receive the care he so desperately needed. After dedicating most of his life to creating marvelous feats for his country, his country’s healthcare system turned its back on him. With overworked and understaffed personnel, many patients like him are forced to seek private healthcare, which results in a bill that follows them until their death bed. Seeing similarities in the healthcare system in Trinidad and the United States, I could not ignore this inequality, which led to my initial interest in a health career. Lack of access to adequate and affordable healthcare is a preventable problem affecting most of the world’s population. Studying public health will allow me to analyze complex health issues in numerous populations and contribute to increasing access to healthcare resources for our most vulnerable populations. My time studying Anthropology and Human Biology at Emory University has prepared me to excel in public health. As someone who had limited exposure to the umbrella term of “health careers,” I was sucked into the vacuum of pre-med. As much as I felt like I had to take these classes, they were not for me. While I learned that medicine was not my path, I wanted to remain involved in health somehow. Still, I was unaware of public health and how that aligned with my interests until I joined a public health research lab, became the senior research assistant of the health equity project during my second semester there, and took a public health course offered by my PI. Enjoying and excelling in those opportunities, I found a home in public health. Furthermore, while minoring in African American studies, I have woven my interest in public health into those courses. I took a Civil Rights Movement class and wrote my final paper on how the United States healthcare system evolved during the 1960s. I also took a Black Women Writers class in which I created an online exhibition highlighting Black women authors who used their platform to provide a space for health issues that Black women faced. Once I have completed my education, I hope to work in the position of a public health director. Working at the federal level, you have the resources to implement change on a broad scale, but that experience can be enhanced when collaborating with local field organizations. With my experience working with different communities, I understand that every city, every zip code, and every house has a distinctive need. When I become a public health director, I aim to fulfill the specific needs of my community while applying long-term solutions. Throughout every stage of my life, I am reminded of what keeps me going. I do not want anyone to have the same experience as my grandfather when he was in pain and only wanted adequate care but was met with limited resources. Public health professionals need to provide preventive services, especially for vulnerable populations. As a result, fewer people will suffer from chronic conditions. I am driven to study public health to build on the foundation of my interests and experiences, and to aid me in providing a collaborative approach to systemic change at a local level.

“Blue Sky” planners have been the backbone of my academic career. My primary tool to prioritize and manage my time is to write everything down and create to-do lists. I believe that time is the most valuable resource. The ability to manage time effectively is a skill that has shaped my academic and personal life. Among the listed qualities, prioritizing and managing my time stuck out to me the most. I do not view this attribute as just a skill but a way of life that allows me to excel in many areas of my life while maintaining balance. My commitment to time management begins with meticulous planning of my everyday goals as well as my long-term goals. The inclusion of long-term goals allows me to plan for the future and remind myself of how I always strive to improve. Every week, I plan out my tasks and prioritize them based on importance and deadlines. This habit has allowed me to be an honors student in Anthropology and Human Biology and helped me create my thesis on public health disparities. One important way that I manage my time is by breaking down goals into more straightforward tasks. My thesis is a two-year-long project that has numerous elements to create a finished product. Milestones such as literature reviews, drafting topics, and editing chapters have kept me motivated and avoided burnout. This approach allows me to make steady progress toward my ultimate goal. Prioritizing my goal allows me more time for class assignments, volunteering, and my hobbies. Another aspect of time management is adaptability. Life is unpredictable, and I can not plan out every aspect of my day. When unexpected challenges arise, I have learned that flexibility is the key. This has taught me to reevaluate my priorities and adjust my schedule accordingly. This concept taught me flexibility and my ability to focus under pressure. While navigating life’s challenges, it has been easy to keep track of various engagements through my planner. Ultimately, time management is more than organizing tasks, it is a reflection of how I carry myself throughout life. I carve out time for loved ones and special occasions. I am completely present with family and friends and not worrying about the next thing that I have to do. By mastering this skill, I have learned to honor commitments, practice self-excellence, and maintain harmony between academics and my personal life. As someone who appreciates order and knowing the outcome when taking a particular path, taking calculated risks could occur to me more naturally. Taking calculated risks is what can separate someone from trying something new. In the past, fear of failure has stopped me from taking risks, but calculated risks balance logic and courage. In my experience, hesitation to fully utilize this ability frequently results from a fear of failing and ambiguity about the results. Even while I like thorough planning and preparation, I've concluded that completely avoiding risks might impede professional and personal growth. Beyond the limits of what seems safe, there are often chances for development and creativity. My main obstacle is not a lack of ambition or ideas but rather a hesitancy to take action when success is uncertain. I occasionally overanalyze situations, concentrating on the possible drawbacks rather than seeing how taking chances could result in life-changing outcomes. This strategy helps me be cautious, but it also makes it harder for me to take advantage of chances that call for daring action. I intend to develop a more disciplined but brave mindset to improve this ability. Redefining failure as a teaching moment rather than a setback is the first step. I may change my mindset and feel more comfortable taking chances if I see mistakes as opportunities rather than as failures. Regardless of the result, this shift in perspective will enable me to view every risk as an opportunity to learn. I plan to develop a method for more impartially evaluating risks. This entails dissecting prospects into quantifiable elements, like the resources required, worst-case situations, and possible rewards. I can make better decisions and lessen the emotional burden of uncertainty by considering these factors. I also plan to begin simply by introducing minor risks into my everyday life. These can include taking on initiatives outside of my comfort zone or speaking up in strange situations. I may progressively take on bigger problems as I get more at ease with minor ones. Another important factor will be looking for mentorship and learning from those who are good at taking risks. I can learn a lot about dealing with uncertainty by listening to their success and failure tales and comprehending their tactics. In the end, having the guts to set out into the unknown with a clear strategy is what it means to dare to take calculated risks.

As a mas wire-bender, my grandfather was extremely skilled in creating larger-than-life costumes for Carnival. This intricate art required significant physical labor, which took a toll on him after his long career, resulting in arthritis. In Trinidad, the public healthcare system leaves many vulnerable to inadequate resources due to the few public hospitals in the area. My grandfather is one of many people who put his trust in the system and hoped he could receive the care he so desperately needed. After dedicating most of his life to creating marvelous feats for his country, his country’s healthcare system turned its back on him. What my grandfather did not anticipate was the silent killer beyond his arthritis: cardiac disease. Years of hard work creating world-famous mas sculptures and stress contributed to symptoms leading to cardiac disease, that would later dominate his life. Subtle changes did not worry me as much as I thought they were not emergent. These changes escalated to more serious problems such as dizziness, chest pains, and even a heart attack while in the art studio. That moment shook our family to its core. For me, the biggest obstacle was not just the physical decline of someone who I admire, but grappling with the emotional toll it took on everyone around him. My grandfather who was larger-than-life just like his sculptures, is now smaller in face of this illness. His once strong hands, skilled in bending wire with ease to create towering masterpieces, can not hold his cup of morning coffee without shaking. The transition from independence to reliance was heartbreaking, as this was a change none of us was prepared for. The financial strain added another layer of difficulty. While Trinidad has a public healthcare system, it was not sufficient to meet the needs of many patients, including my grandfather. Requiring specialized care from cardiologists, my grandfather spent a lot of time waiting to get tests and essential medications were not available at most pharmacies. My family was forced to find private care for his treatment, which drained our resources. For a family that already lived modestly, the cost of private care seemed impossible at times. Watching my parents handle these financial struggles and care for my grandfather emotionally, was the first time I saw how unfair the healthcare system is, especially in developing countries. As a child, I could not grapple with the reality of what was going on with my Cito. I did not fully understand why my grandfather who would dance to soca music with me now spends so much time in bed. It wasn’t until I grew older that I realized the impact of his illness. My grandfather’s battle with cardiovascular disease left a permanent mark with me. It forced me to confront the fragility of life at an early age when I should have made that realization later in life. But this experience also taught me resilience as I watched my family navigate obstacle after obstacle all in hopes to make my grandfather comfortable. Despite his health challenges, my grandfather has never lost his spirit. He still tells stories of his Carnival days, his eyes lighting up as he recalls the costumes he built and the joy he brought to others. I am determined to advocate for better healthcare as I aim to get my MPH and become a public health director, serving underserved communities. No one should have to endure the hardships he faced simply because they lack access to adequate resources. Cardiac disease has taught me the importance of compassion and advocacy. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Inspiration goes hand in hand with representation. I feel most inspired when I see someone who looks like me achieve their goals. It can be very disheartening to be the first person to do something, especially when you are a minority; a lot of doubt can enter the mind. But I keep inspiration by remembering the trailblazers who came before me and the little black girls who will look up to me and others and know that what they want to do in life is very much possible. The root of my inspiration stems from Trinidad and Tobago. My parents were born and raised there and taught me from a very young age that no one can take that feeling of accomplishment when you reach your goals. They decided to uproot their lives in search of a better one where they can be exposed to better opportunities. They overcome a lot to move to a new country when they were just 18 years old. My parents knew the importance of education and how it be can be a game-changer. They have taught me to believe in myself because no one can support someone that doesn’t believe it themself. Because of them, I have learned that when you see an opportunity, you take it because there isn’t a lot of them, especially for black women. In the future, I want to be a dermatologist. There are not a lot of women of color as physicians. Systemically, black women are treated worse than their white counterparts. With my platform, being a woman of color, I want to inspire other girls of color that they can be doctors as well because representation is one of the best ways to visualize your goals. Growing up in a family that moved a lot, I have had numerous doctors. Not one of them was a minority. It made me think that I wasn’t smart enough or had the capabilities to become a doctor. When I become a dermatologist, I want to spend time with my community. I want to do talks with other doctors in the POC community to the minority youth. I want them to know that their dream of being a doctor is accessible; even if it wasn’t a career they had in mind, I want to make known that it is more than possible to achieve. I would also start a program for teen minorities where they can choose a specialty they are interested in, and they will be matched with a doctor in that area who will let them intern there for two weeks. The program would also include networking with other doctors and giving them helpful resources when applying to college and med school. As a future physician, I want to use my platform to help the youth find their future career in medicine. I watch the news every day. I try to keep myself informed about what’s going on in the world around me. When I see injustice happening, I take to all of my resources, and I inform people. I use my social media platform to educate my followers and also organize peaceful protests. During my time in high school, I have attended the March For Our Lives demonstration, Women’s March, and, most recently, the Black Lives Matter protests. Other generations discourage my generation for utilizing our voice to spread awareness and fight for a change. Generation Z is on its way to be the most educated generation, and I want us to utilize our power for the greater good. I encourage my classmates and friends to go to peaceful protests and demand change from our representatives. Growing up in a digital world, I have used technology to my advantage and spread my message further. I created a blog and an Instagram account where people can learn about what’s going on in the world and how they can help. I have also posted book recommendations for those who want to be an activist and how they can make a change by protesting, emailing their representatives, or proposing a bill to be passed into law. I also want to create a sense of community with my platform and host monthly takeovers by other activists. My goal with my digital platform is to find more activists who care about women and minorities’ rights. But most of all, I want those around me to know that they must be intersectional activists who wish to not only black people to succeed but also black people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. With my platform, I want to inspire others to accept everyone and take action when injustices occur around them.