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Hobbies and interests
Writing
Mental Health
Public Health
Reading
Romance
I read books daily
Tiara Smith
485
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/01e6b832ecae724b3bb40a3f4f2a50a33c.webp)
Tiara Smith
485
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hello! I am currently a remote graduate student at New York University. As I am looking to further my career and education, I am looking forward to working in the field I am passionate about. I am studying to obtain my master’s in public health with a concentration in community health and practice. My goal is to work in the maternal health and reproductive healthcare field, and help women through my work and past experiences.
Education
New York University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Public Health
Minors:
- Medicine
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Public Health
Duncanville High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Health Services
Parkland Health2023 – Present1 year
Sports
Tennis
Junior Varsity2012 – 20164 years
Research
Biological and Physical Sciences
Student Research2021 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
North Texas Food Bank — Student Volunteer2019 – 2021
Balancing Act Medical Student Scholarship
Healthcare brings us together in times of need, but also has many instances that are met with obstacles. As a young professional woman working in the healthcare industry, I have found challenges and circumstances that have developed me to become stronger in my field of work. My experience working exclusively in community health, and with maternal health has led me to where I am today.
As a graduate student, I am working to obtain my Master of Public Health in community health science and practice. With this, I want to work in reproductive health and maternal health. After the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, my motivation to work in communities to help women with their reproductive rights was not only something I felt compelled to do, but something that hits home for me. Growing up in the state of Texas, I always knew of the political nature of certain political leaders in the state, and how their decisions impacted the lives of millions of women. As a young girl growing up in Texas, I personally knew women in my family and close friends who are the victims of sexual assault. A few had to have abortions, but all of them were forever mentally and emotionally scarred from the assault. These unfortunate circumstances lead women to developing mental health issues, poverty, and a distrust for the people around them including the United States government. Reproductive rights are more than just abortion access. It’s a human right for women and their bodily autonomy. With my future professional career, I want to shine a light on healthcare access for women in all communities across the nation.
As a young professional, I am still learning more about my career field. While in school, I have also been working fulltime in the Medicaid healthcare field. This has opened my eyes to many underprivileged communities and the people that are greatly impacted by the healthcare system. In my role, I work hands on with members on Medicaid assistance, most of them being young mothers working underpaying jobs. They come to me with frustrations about not being able to afford basic healthcare needs for not only themselves, but for their children. In a country that has produced billions to wars, the ones in need the most are always if not completely shut out from their minds. I love the work that I do because I know it is for a greater good. I not only feel accomplished with my work every day, but I feel great about the work I do for women of all walks of life.
My goals and motivation have led me to become the strong and determined woman I am today. I want a better tomorrow for all women and those always overlooked by the system that tears us down.