I am from Arlington, VA. I chose URI for a few reasons; I was recruited for the Division I rowing team, I wanted to experience a different area of the country, and I loved the campus and strong sense of community at URI. I began as a biological sciences major, intending to do something health focused, but switched to public health after taking HLT101 and really enjoying it. I appreciated the real world application of what I learned, and loved how many topics I was able to learn about.

I was most surprised by how easy it was to find my circle at URI. Coming from a small high school, I was somewhat intimidated by the student body size and was worried about finding my place. However, through my communities, I was able to easily meet new people and create life long friendships. One of my communities was the rowing team, where I represented the university in racing against some of the country’s best collegiate rowers. Training with and winning races with my teammates helped create strong bonds that I am very grateful for!

I was also able to find community through my internship and job while at URI. I was lucky to intern with RI State Representative Lauren Carson, and assist in the creation of a State Multisector Plan on Aging. This allowed me to apply what I had learned in my classes to a project that would impact hundreds of thousands of people. Through my work at the Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center, I was able to support efforts in educating healthcare professionals on working with geriatric populations, as well as help coordinate health programs for older adults. Both of these opportunities allowed me to connect with experts in the field, expanding my community and professional network.

After reflecting on my experience, I believe there are three overwhelming strengths to studying public health at URI. The first strength is the curriculum, which truly sets you up with a strong base of knowledge in many health topics. Second, the incredible faculty and staff, who really care about their students, and will help them succeed. And finally, the ability to apply your degree in so many different ways. There are so many different paths to choose from in public health!

Following my graduation from URI, I will continue an ongoing research paper with some of the faculty, in pursuit of a publication. I hope to begin working in public health policy in Washington, D.C. this fall, and plan to attend law school, where I will enroll in a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health dual degree program. I have so many great memories thanks to my time at URI, from eating ice cream on the beach with friends to winning the conference championship with my teammates. I will forever cherish my years at URI, and am so glad I was able to be a part of this fantastic department!