As I reflect on my undergraduate journey, I am amazed by the growth and development I have experienced as a Health Education and Behavior student. I began my journey as a nursing major without any expectations of my life taking a drastic turn. However, continuing my path as a health education major has allowed me to mature and prepare for a career in the healthcare field. I have modified my passion for helping people and incorporated the importance of whole-person wellness. I have learned to advocate for people’s holistic well-being including mental, physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, occupational, and social health. Through the power of education, we can empower individuals to become active participants in their care and help them develop the skills and self-confidence to follow a healthy lifestyle. Like Nelson Mandela said: “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Several unexpected occurrences ceased my plans and aspirations. In Spring 2018, I experienced a car accident that completely changed my life. I spent a week in a psychiatric facility to recover from my incident and long years of mental distress. At this moment, I realized that I needed to make some changes in my life and prioritize my well-being. Furthermore, my ambitions for nursing school took a standstill when I was denied entry into UF’s Traditional Nursing Program for Fall 2019. From there, I made the best decision to join the Health Education and Behavior department in the College of Health and Human Performance.
In Summer 2019, I met with an academic advisor, Brittany Schambow, who guided my steps into the Health Education and Behavior major. Through her encounters, I became aware of the caring nature of the HEB faculty and department. This path opened up an opportunity to learn more about the importance of healthcare and educating our communities. Professors like Dr. Garcia-Guettler and Dr. Murphy introduced me to new experiences and opportunities that developed my passion for children’s health and individuals with special needs. My health education upper-division courses and volunteer experiences helped me grow my aspirations for health education and promotion. I began to seek opportunities in several areas that advocated for equity and care in different populations in the Gainesville community. Splash Pals North Central Florida (NCF) issued an opportunity to create tailored activities for children in the Special Needs community. The School Health Interdisciplinary Program (SHIP) provided an opportunity to use my Health Education skills to create programs and educate school-aged children in Alachua County. Finally, Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) bestowed the chance to educate the UF population and access several professional development resources that helped me grow into the confident and ambitious individual I am today.
In my Spring 2021 internship at Advent Health of Ocala, I implemented an educational program named “Eat Healthy, Be Active” with the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) that targeted the bus driver population, wrote a research paper with the purpose of educating future interns on the importance of motivational interviewing when educating patients, and created a newsletter for the nursing department that focused on whole-person wellness. Furthermore, I participated in county-wide screenings to educate individuals on healthy eating, exercising, and the importance of heart health. Through these experiences, I created connections, made a difference in the Marion County community, and further developed my skills as a Health Educator and as a person. I have become a dedicated and proactive individual that is devoted to the tasks of a Health Educator and what it takes to become one.
Currently, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and Behavior with a focus on Community Health Promotion. I am an active Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) member with an interest in applying my knowledge and skills in the healthcare field as a pediatric nurse.
Life is not a straight path as there are obstacles that make it strenuous to accomplish one’s goals. However, I have realized that plans change and that life can take a different course. I have learned to remain unrelenting and committed to becoming successful and making a difference in my community as a Health Educator and future healthcare worker. Currently, I am planning to attend UF’s Accelerated Nursing Program in Summer 2022 where I will apply my knowledge and skills learned in the HEB department to assist and educate patients with their health goals while expressing care and empathy with their needs and desires. Later in the future, I plan to complete a Master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) to provide evidence-based health education to my patients, impart supportive care, and develop individualized care plans for my patients. Although I have a long way to go, the HEB department and the University of Florida have provided me with an unforgettable journey that has allowed me to grow and mature into the person I am today.