How I Fell In Love With Public Health: Goodbye Pre-Med <3

 

It was Summer 2023.  I was an intern at the National Institutes of Health.  I decided to attend the annual NIH Graduate and Professional Schools Fair. Many students, ranging from rising college freshmen to undergrad graduates, participated in this fair as it contained so many career fields in healthcare, research, and STEM. The Ayishat then entered the fair with one overall goal: connecting with medical school admission directors. She wasn’t there to change her career path; she wasn’t there to stop by at graduate school tables, nor was she there to waste her time on anything that wasn’t medicine.  However, something unexpected unfolded as she immersed herself in the overwhelming atmosphere.

 

I’m standing at one of the medical school tables, and from my peripheral view, I see a very bright and vibrant red table. The tablecloth read, “American Public Health Association”. At first, I was very hesitant about walking over there, but my fellow colleague was interested in possibly going into public health, so I stayed beside him to just listen in. The organization’s representative at the table proved incredibly helpful as I listened and actively engaged in the conversation between her and my friend. Despite my commitment to pursuing medicine, the representative’s insights and enthusiasm sparked my curiosity. 

 

Later in the day, I’m reaching a point where I need help finding any other tables about med school. Me and my friends decided to sit around and chat about any and everything until one of them asked, “What other panels or tables do y’all still want to go to"?. While I was left without a response, my friend—yes, the very same one who had previously directed me towards the public health organization table—suggested attending the “Pathways to Public Health” Panel.  After some thought, I decided to attend. Fast forward, I found myself fascinated with the field of public health and ultimately considered a Master in Public Health (MPH) before medical school.  After the amazing panel, I was intrigued to find some graduate schools of public health at the fair, especially as the fair drew to a close.  I met with Boston University, Brown University, & more! 

 

After the fair, I was definite on earning a Masters in Public Health. 

 

 

Fast-forwarding to my Spring Semester of Sophomore Year, I’ve taken a complete exit from the pre-med path and bid farewell to biology. It was a bit of a secret, but I quietly switched gears to psychology during the fall semester—something I conveniently forgot to mention while struggling in Cell Biology (like cry over type-ish). It’s funny how, just the summer before, I was giving out study tips to aspiring pre-med bio students. I’m not upset about changing majors, though, nor do I regret it. 

 

 

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone contemplating and in their head about switching their major, minor, or career path, I BEG YOU TO NOT SETTLE!!!  You must ensure that you are passionate about your studies and pursuits. We live in a world where hustle culture is always promoted, which leads to people chasing the career that makes them the most money and doesn’t feel any joy or happiness.  I pray everyone realizes their true passions and ensures they are studying a field related to them. 

 

I'm forever happy I fell in love with public health, as I am now pursuing to earn a Masters in Public Health (MPH) and a Ph.D. concentrated in Epidemiology.