Hi, I am applying for a MPH program and I need some feedback on a personal statement that I have written. Here is my story:
Somewhere in the world, there are little children falling ill and unfortunately dying due to an unknown parasite that is drastically crumbling their immune system. Elsewhere in the world there is a race of people who is perishing from an unknown virus that may very well be caused by a contaminated water source. Here, in my portion of the world, mental illness is an issue that is overlooked and even sadly still considered taboo. From detecting harmful viruses to increasing public awarness about mental health, public health focuses on the whole community to ensure and provide mankind with the necessities that are essential to maintaining a health society. That focus along with other drastic changes in my life would lead me into the world of public health.
Every since I can rememeber, I found joy in helping others.Anyone that needed my assistance whether it was my parents, aunts,uncles or neighbors, I was there to offer a helping hand. One day, at a doctor's appointment for my little sister, I was astound at this lady that came in and check my little sister's temperature, weight, and height. She was so nice and very good at what she was doing. Being my curious self, I sparked a conversation with the lady and and to my inquiries, she was a nurse. She explained to me what it was and from the age of 5, I knew that I wanted to become a nurse. So throughout junior high and high school,I prepared myself to become a nurse.I took classes that offer me insight into the profession, read medical magazines, and began to talk to those in the nursing profession. I was ready to take on this career path.
As the years of my life progressed, so did many illnesses in my family did.When my sister was first diagnosed with schizophrenia, I didn't quite understand how she could fall ill to this mental disease. I knew that a great grandmother, two aunts and a cousin had suffered from it, however I was still naive to the fact. I did some research and was deeply suprised at the statistics that I saw. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to become involve in helping those that were victims to mental illness. I began searching for careers that would allow me to do that. While seating in my Microbiology class one day, my professor lectured about careers that were of relevance to the chapter we were studying. Epidemiology was the second career to show up on the screen. A brief description was given about the occupation, but that wasn't enough for me. I needed more information about epidemiology and I seeked to find it. After carefully researching epidemiology, I knew that this is what I wanted to do and that this field would send me in the path of helping others and communities.
As a biology major, considering a study in epidemiology falls perfectly into place with what I want to accomplish. My passion to get out and help find cures, treatments, and increase awareness about various issues that may plague humanity is a priority. Coming from a rural area in central Alabama, there is not enough of anything. Too many residents go untreated for various health-related issues. I find that unacceptable. My overall plan is to help protect the human race, increase awareness on several health issues through various incentives, including a non-profit organization,programs and community involvement.
On a daily basis, there are emerging issues that affect the world, seen and unseen.It is up to those individuals that have the experience and passion to assist those that are unable. I often look at my younger sister and at times is overwhelmed by her inability to live life like a normal young adult. Around a month ago, an aunt proposed a question to me "if you want to do more about your Alyce's (my sister) illness, why not become a psychiatrist or a psychologist?". I replied, "I thought about it; but why help one person at a time, when I can collectively help a community". I know that I have the desire and dedication to be a revolutionary individual in public health. With the skills and lessons I can obtain from University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Public Health, there is not a single doubt in my mind that this can not be achieve. The day is today and the time is now for people to live wonderful lives and I want to be a contributor to that experience.
