"I’ve always been interested in medicine; even as a high school student I was really into biology, chemistry, and physics.

"In my undergrad years, I started down the pre-med track, but it wasn’t until I began working on my second major of educational studies that I became interested in public service. As I began tutoring in two very different middle schools, I noticed an educational inequity: These two schools were near in proximity but very far apart in educational quality. Seeing that firsthand inspired me to pursue a career in public service.

"I became passionate about public health, which seemed like the perfect blend of my scientific background and my desire to work in public service.

"As an undergraduate, I was with students who were all of similar age and experiences. One thing I love about the Brown School is our community’s diversity, the wide spectrum of different ages, cultures, outlooks, and experiences. For example, every day I study alongside people who are older than I and have been working in the field for many years. The perspectives they bring to the classroom and also outside of the classroom enrich my experience and help me see things from a different angle that I might not have considered without them. When we put our differences – and heads – together, we’re better equipped to solve public health problems.

"The Brown School provides its students with unprecedented levels of support. It’s hard to not do well here. The faculty, the administration, and even the students themselves really want you to succeed. The faculty is attentive and responsive to student questions and concerns. They go the extra mile to help us find the ideal class to suit our public health interests. Just the other day, I was speaking with one of my classmates in the Commons and she expressed her desire to work with a specific person within the St. Louis health community. Dr. McBride overheard our conversation and offered to introduce them and possibly work out a practicum experience."