Hometown: Woburn, MA
Specialization: Health Promotion
Why did I come to URI?
I chose the University of Rhode Island due to their dedication to students, high quality programs, and of course the beautiful campus. As soon as I stepped foot on campus it was clear that this was the right choice for me. The faculty care for their students and want to see each student succeed in their goals and future careers. That was very apparent from my first visit to campus.
What surprised you most about URI?
What surprised me most about URI is how much of a community the campus feels like. With everything URI had to offer, I felt like I was a part of a family and at home. Whether you are in Greek life, clubs, student run organizations, sports, or any other activities campus has to offer, you can count on seeing a familiar face everywhere you turn. Everyone genuinely wants to help one another and be there for each other.
Why did you major in health studies?
Health Studies allowed me to get in all my requirements for my post graduate plans along with learning about content I was really interested in. I always knew I wanted to do something in healthcare, but it was unclear which path was best for me. While looking at all the majors offered at URI, I was able to make the right decision and chose this major. I know am exactly where I wanted to be with the help of professors and major requirements. Also, learning more about public health is something I was really interested in and was able to do because of the major.
What do you consider to be the greatest strength of the Health Studies Program?
The greatest strength of health studies is the flexibility. In this major you are able to take all the classes that are necessary for your next step. This could be a business path, research, pre-health careers, and so much more. Also, Health Studies introduces the medical field in a new way. HLT101 really opened my eyes that the medical field is not always clinical!
What experiential learning opportunities did you have at URI?
I completed an internship with the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition. I was able to use what I learned in the classroom and apply it to real world experience. I worked in researching current alcohol laws in Rhode Island, putting together care packages for underserved elementary students, and providing input on current public health matters from a young adult perspective. I am very grateful for this opportunity as it taught me so much that can’t necessarily be taught in a classroom.
What advice do you have for Health Studies majors?
Some advice I have for majors is to work hard and enjoy every minute at URI. Always get your work done, but soak up every day spent in Rhode Island because it flies by!
What’s next for you?
I am currently a first-year student at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, in a Master’s of Occupational Therapy program. After the program, I am eager to be an occupational therapist and hope to work in an inpatient hospital for adults after traumatic injuries.