Essay --

As I packed up my belongings from my dorm at the end of my freshman year in college, I remember feeling indifferent about summer. Although most people would be happy knowing they were not going to summer school, I had gotten accustomed to this routine. As far back as I can remember, each summer was spent in school or some form of tutoring program; not as a result of my poor grades but to stay ahead. I finally had a summer free, and I was uncertain what to do. Not wanting to waste away my summer idly, I set out to make my summer productive and obtained an internship position at my local health department. Undoubtedly this has been one of two main experiences highly influential in leading me to pursue my Masters in Public Health. Interning at the health department was my formal introduction to public health. It quickly became apparent how predominant and ubiquitous the practices of public health are in our everyday lives. I also gained a better understanding as to how critical public health is to the entire healthcare system; specifically how research and practice in the areas of community needs can make notable impacts. Working mainly in the nurse's clinic and birth and death records, I occasionally got the opportunity to help out in other areas such as the Black Infant Health Program. This program specifically caught my attention because of how valuable and requested it was for the African American community. They provided resources to empower and strengthen women throughout their pregnancy. Women were provided with information and classes so that they were informed to make better choices for caring and raising their children, in hopes that it would positively impact future generations. This is particularl y important because ... ... healthcare setting can greatly help gain the support at the community level. I want to be apart of the growing effort in creating an atmosphere that allows dialogue and interest amongst minority groups who are more disproportionately affected by diseases. My desire to pursue a graduate degree in public health is personally driven, and I believe UC Irvine will serve as a vital foundation for obtaining the necessary knowledge and training in my career. With my persistence in the pursuit of knowledge I am confident that I will be able to take full advantage of what the program has to offer so that I too can make meaningful contributions in public health. In order to hone my skills with regards to health, I am currently taking a human anatomy and physiology course through Loyola Marymount University Extension, and I find myself eager to return to full time studies.