What is your hometown?
Chicago, IL
                 
What are your interests/hobbies?
Science, music, sports, social justice and fitness
                 
What are your favorite Chicago activities?
Enjoying cultural events, food and beverages with family and friends.
                 
Did you work full time through the program?
Yes, I worked full-time while I was in the program.

Was time commitment reasonable?
Balancing work and school was certainly a challenge, but also very “do-able”.

Were you able to balance work and school?
I had to be very focused on managing my time to prevent my school work from piling up.

Professionally, what are you doing now?
I am a Senior Specialist for Diversity and Inclusion at the national office of the Alzheimer’s Association.
                 
Tell us about a “Northwestern moment.” More specifically, was there a moment either in class or otherwise associated with the program where something really clicked for you?
There were so many memorable moments during my time in the program, that it is hard to only mention one. Dr. Lambert’s “Experience of Illness” class gave me a much deeper understanding of the profound impact chronic illness can have on the meaning of one’s life and on a person’s sense of identity.  Too often health professionals lack this understanding and view patients simply as the chronic illness they are living with, especially those with low incomes or with limited formal education.

How has the program changed the way you view healthcare?     
I have learned that the healthcare system in the U.S. is a work in progress. There are some things that are working well and many that could work much better and more efficiently. Although it will not be easy, I now have hope that health care in the U.S. can be improved, especially for the most vulnerable and underserved amongst us.

Did you discover anything new or unexpected at Northwestern?
I discovered that our cohort truly became a family! As great as it is to have my weekends back now that I have completed the program, it is bitter sweet. I will miss the weekly interactions with my brilliant classmates and instructors.