Before we get into the gist of what has drawn me to public health, let's start with some icebreakers. I am a native New Yorker about to begin my first year as an undergraduate at Harvard University; my goal is to pursue a concentration in neuroscience with a secondary field in global and health policy. I am currently a part of the New York Advocacy Group for the American Childhood Cancer Organization, talking to GBS patients, tutoring students in Ukraine through the program ENGin, and a leader in my community's Students Demand Action Group as well as the Gay-Straight Alliance Club. I spend my free time playing tennis, writing music, performing musical theater, spending time with my family, reading, watching Grey's Anatomy, and of course, making websites (okay, maybe not). What I do love, nevertheless, is educating others about public health topics and advocating, so without further ado:

 

     Throughout my time in high school, it is my experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today —simply put, a passionate advocator. Some obstacles I have faced have encouraged me to become more empathetic, fostered a greater desire to help others, and have made me truly realize the strength which II possess. In September 2020, I was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease known as Guillan-Barre Syndrome. The manifestation of this disease was extremely atypical, given I was 13 years old and this disease predominantly occurs in adults above the age of 50. Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a demyelinating disease in which basically your body breaks down myelin, the protective sheath surrounding your nerves. This can lead to paralysis, extreme sensitivity to touch, and unfathomable pain. My parents stood by me, every day at the hospital and even after I left, and I am eternally grateful for their love and support. During this time of a rare neurological disease diagnosis, COVID was also exposing the importance of public health in our society. Being in a hospital bed unable to do much, it gives you a lot of time to reflect and learn more. I was unfortunately also diagnosed with an eating disorder during this time.

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     Amidst all this distress and chaos, an interest to learn more about mental health emerged; and then, an interest to connect with kids my age who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness; and then, an interest to just learn everything about public health. This began with advocacy with the American Childhood Cancer Organization, for which I organized a Go Gold Day in my community and raised over $1,500. I continued my endeavors with advocacy for menstrual equity and so on and so forth. My insatiable desire to improve my community and help others in it has led me to this: a website to further expand public health initiatives. I hope that with this website I can not only educate others about public health issues and stigmas that are pertinent in our society but inspire others to utilize the information and resources available here to start their own PUBLIC HEALTH PHC Chapter in their community!

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     Here is my ultimate message, especially to some of you who immediately scrolled to the bottom of the page (I don't blame you; I write as much as I talk and I talk a lot). I adore the broadness of public health —the fact that I could probably talk about a topic a day for the rest of my life and never run out of issues, stigmas, or facts to mention. I hope after looking at this site, you too will adore the plethora of topics under the branch of public health!