Hobbies and interests
Art
Reading
Maristda Patthanadettrakul
765
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistMaristda Patthanadettrakul
765
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
I am currently pursuing a master's degree in public health with a specialization in behavioral and community health. I am passionate about improving health outcomes and advancing public health, particularly in underserved communities. With over 160 hours of clinical experience and a background excelling in customer service and management, I am committed to contributing meaningfully to the public health field. My goal is to use my education and experiences to work as an EIS (Epidemic Intelligence Service) officer, focusing on addressing healthcare disparities and representing underrepresented populations. I am committed to lifelong learning and staying informed about emerging trends and best practices in public health
Education
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Master's degree programMajors:
- Public Health
University of California-San Diego
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Public Health
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Sciences
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
STEAM Generator Scholarship
As a first-generation immigrant, my journey in pursuing higher education is marked by many challenges and determination. My dream of representing the people in my community remains a driving force despite having to navigate a complex education system without family guidance and facing various financial burdens. This aspiration is further fueled by my commitment to improving access to healthcare and representing people in underserved communities.
One's immigration background plays a huge role in shaping one's aspirations and motivations. Growing up in a community with healthcare disparities, I was driven by a desire to address these inequalities directly. This firsthand experience instilled my deep appreciation for healthcare equity and accessibility, motivating my pursuit of a career in healthcare where I could actively contribute to positive change.
Financial concerns are a huge barrier to pursuing higher education, especially for first-generation immigrants like me. Many people pursue healthcare education in hopes of gaining financial stability and reputations; however, the daunting high cost of education and the long pathway of training make it almost impossible to enter without financial help. Balancing multiple jobs to support personal expenses, family expenses, and educational pursuits became a necessity, underlining the resilience and dedication I need to overcome these challenges and pursue my dream.
Many of the setbacks such as the financial burdens and the lack of information were overcome with my unwavering determination. Seeking out mentors and using all available resources became crucial for me in navigating the complexities of the college application process and gaining the knowledge necessary to pursue healthcare education. Whether it is help from a friend, colleague, or professor, every bit of information creates a huge impact for me to gain or find the help I need. This marked the importance of not only family but also being in a supportive environment that helped push me toward my goal.
Pursuing higher education in healthcare extends beyond a personal achievement that I hope to gain. Working toward public health improvement represents my commitment to serving as a role model and advocate for my community. By overcoming barriers and achieving success in my career, I aim to inspire others facing similar challenges to pursue their dreams with perseverance and resilience.
My journey toward higher education as an outsider to the system has been characterized by hardship, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service. It reflects the transformative power of education and the impact of immigrant experiences on shaping personal and professional aspirations. Through dedication and perseverance, I hope not only to fulfill my dream of improving the community's health and well-being but also to contribute meaningfully to healthcare equity and serve as a representative for everyone from underrepresented communities.