Public Health Philosophy

Public health is an essential field that is a benefit to every individual and community but
can go unnoticed. Public health is a huge umbrella that covers hundreds of subtopics and their
populations. One of the populations that really stands out to me in need are those including
pregnant women, infants, women, and children. Growing up I’ve been blessed to be
surrounded my strong female role models in my family and community. I can recognize that
many women haven’t been so lucky. I’ve read stories about women who were raised to think
they are worth less because of their gender, suffered from domestic violence, or rape. An
increase in public health can benefit women and help them out of undesirable situations and
can protect women who are.
I have almost finished my coursework at UNF with just one semester remaining before
my internship opportunity. I’ve evaluated the topics and populations I’m most interested in
turning my attention to assisting. Besides helping women and children, I’ve taken an interest in
community, global health. Altering someone’s environment can change the course of their
whole lives. I find global health fascinating in regard to climate change, water availability, food
scarcities, and so many more issues. In regard to community health I continuously refer to the
ecological model of health. When deciding what topics really interest me, I was troubled
deciding between a small population to help and topics of global health. The socio-ecological
model proves that everything outside of personal health has a huge effect on personal health.
Public policy, cultural values and norms, an individual’s environment, and ethics all have major
impacts on the way a person lives their life.
Within the next two years I aim to attend UNF’s internship opportunity and further
narrow down what kind of work I enjoy doing and where my skills can be of most benefit. I will
graduate from UNF with a bachelor’s in Public Health and a minor in Health Education. I will
find a job that has room to advance working for a corporation or for the state. I will most likely
work full time while attending a master’s program focused on one of the three topics I have
identified. One of the female supervisors I’ve enjoyed working for the most said very often,
“You are your first priority. How can I expect you to give back if you’re not giving yourself what
you need?” If I end up working for a cause I don’t feel passionately about, or solely for the
salary there’s no way for me to be able to pour myself and my attributes into it. I will help my
cause and population the most by doing something I am passionate about and can pour my
heart into.