Where did you live before coming to UW and/or where are you from originally?

I am originally from the Bay Area, California where I was born and  raised. I then went to a small town in the eastern part of Washington State called Walla Walla, where I attended Whitman College for my undergraduate degree. Through those four years in Washington, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and moved to Seattle around two years before starting my MPH at UW.

What is your background in public health/global health?

My passion for global public health stemmed from my time in the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Volunteer in the Kingdom of Eswatini. This experience fueled my desire to work with community-based organizations with cross-cultural teams and goals. While I learned a lot during my time in the Peace Corps, I also realized there was a lot of room for growth, both personally and generally in the field of global public health. I hope to continue learning as a global public health professional promoting health equity and justice within marginalized communities both in the U.S. and internationally.

Why did you choose to get your MPH in global health at the UW?

I was drawn to the MPH program in global health at UW because I was excited about the intersectoral focus of the program and the opportunity to work alongside students from different disciplines and departments within UW. I also heard from previous and current students about how supportive and eager the staff and faculty were in the School of Public Health and in the Department of Global Health. Coming from a small liberal arts college, I was nervous about attending such a large institution, but the program's structure does facilitate networking and getting to know other students and faculty members. Also, as I mentioned, I love being in the PNW and the opportunity to attend a great program in an exciting and fun place like Seattle was definitely a contributing factor in my decision.

What has the cohort experience been like for you?

Being a part of my global health cohort has been the most rewarding aspect of my time at UW so far. I greatly respect and value each member and see that everyone has rich experiences and perspectives that we can all learn from. The cohort seminar that we are all participating in throughout our first year has been a particularly 
engaging aspect of the program. As someone who has lived primarily on the West Coast of the United States for my whole life, I feel I have gained a much deeper understanding of global relationships and perspectives from my peers. I know that my future work as a public health practitioner will only be strengthened by the conversations, critiques, and connections we've shared as a cohort and I'm grateful for that exposure.

What do you enjoy most about Seattle?

I love walking around the different neighborhoods in Seattle. I think there are a lot of distinct characteristics of each and there are always interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants to try wherever you are. I also really enjoy the different markets in various neighborhoods, like Ballard and Fremont, that stretch for many blocks 
with stands from local business owners, artisans, and farmers. It's a great activity to do with friends or family and a fun way to get to know your community.

What advice do you have for students interested in applying to the program?

Be open to learning and changing your mind! Just in my first year of the program, I have been exposed to and found an interest in so many different sectors of public health. It's such a broad field that plays a role in all aspects of our society and there's a need for new talent in each one. Your peers, in addition to the teaching staff, have so much wisdom and so many experiences you can learn from, and nothing is set in stone. Try new things that interest you, even if it's different from what you expected, and know that it's okay to change your mind. Take advantage of your time as a student and learn as much as you can.