I originally started my education on the Pre-Med track, with the intention of wanting to pursue a career where I can help people and promote healthier lifestyles. Growing up, I always had an interest in the health sciences, but what really made me interested in Public Health studies specifically was the class Micro-Biology. Learning about different kinds of bacteria and how important they are in Public Health directed me to target my approach in learning about healthcare to this area. More specifically, going forward, I want to learn about how to manage a population by reducing the risk of a disease outbreak. Learning through different student experiences by working in the community, I grew an interest in healthcare measures outside of medicine.
Many people have the misconception that health only relates directly to the physical aspect, but I learned through studies that health is a very multi-faceted concept on different levels. Health, according to me, is defined by the optimum level one can be with their mental, emotional, physical and social well-being. In the textbook, Principles and Foundations of Health Promotion, researched by Professors Cottrell, Girvan, Seabert, Spear, and McKenzie, they define Health Education as “any combination of planned learning experiences using evidence based practices and/or sound theories that provide the opportunity to acquire knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed [to] adopt and maintain healthy behaviors” (3). The process of becoming a health educator means: retaining the knowledge of the different methods and possibilities, having the ability to apply it in a professional manner to a variety of situations, and then coming up with reasonable solutions to help others.
I personally wanted to learn more about other methods of healthcare and discover the many possibilities that are out there for me. I am most interested in pursing health education by experiencing working with non-profits and learning how all the different government policies play key roles in peoples’ lives. As I learn more about the multitude of aspects of health education, I have become passionate to teach others, as well as build a foundation so that it can be passed along to help others. I believe if we all work together in society as a community, we can truly make a difference in bettering everyone’s overall health. In the textbook, they discuss the determinants in society to be, “conditions in the environment in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes and risks” (17). Reviewing these determinants, it can be highlighted that our environment is the key factor for society’s overall health.
I believe that the main key to making our communities healthier is developing the environment people live in. This would be best achieved by working together to create the resources needed, and ideally having the ability to educate others about a healthier lifestyle. In the textbook, they define primary prevention as comprising “those preventive measures that for stall the onset of illness or injury during the prepathogenesis period (before the disease begins)” (18). In my opinion, this is the best way to make a larger impact in society, because it creates a good plan of action for the populations within communities, states, and our country in general.
By going this path I feel more confident I can make a change and a difference in the world someday. I would personally love to continue working with more non-profits in the future and experience more interactions with different kinds of people. My vision for the future is to become a voice, a strong health advocate, and have the power to grow communities.
Reference:
Cottrell, R. R., Girvan, T. J., Seabert, M. D., Spear, C., & McKenzie, F. J., (2018). Principles and Foundations of Health Promotion and Education (7th Ed). Glenview, IL: Pearson Inc.
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