- What was your Undergrad Institution and Major?
Tulane University, B.S. of Public Health and Minor in SLAM (Strategy, Leadership, Analytics, Management) – graduated Dec. 2020 - What encouraged you to pursue this health communication degree?
I decided to pursue the MSHC degree because I wanted to continue my education directly after undergrad, especially during COVID-19, with the job market in the air. I knew I wasn’t done learning and wanted to hone my personal interest in creative strategies in a way that relates to my experience in public health/as a cancer patient. After deciding against an MPH, I figured the MSHC program would be an excellent way to do some “soul-searching” (for lack of words) and take an active step towards utilizing my life experience in the industry and gaining credibility as an effective communicator. Additionally, the Northwestern community (peers, faculty, alum) is a great network to be a part of! - What are your career goals?
My career goal is to work on a team that gives me creative agency over my work while utilizing human-centered, empathetic communication strategies that aim to empower bio-individuality and motivate healthy outcomes in the population/individuals. - Any tips on balancing school, work, and life?
For me, I have to keep a physical planner! I used to think my Google Calendar would do the trick (using traditional “time-blocking” methods). Still, I found myself rearranging and deleting when I wouldn’t get tasks done each day – leading to inevitable procrastination. I have a physical, paper list of “Top 3” Priorities followed by anything else I want to do that day, but I make it mandatory to include one personal/self-care, academic, and work task in the Top 3. (Let me know if that doesn’t make sense!) - How do you practice self-care while in the program?
I practice self-care by Facetiming my loved ones back home and prioritizing consistent physical activity! With work from home, it’s effortless to not move or go outside, so by recalibrating my body with heavy lifting/dance, I feel so much more energized to tackle the day. - How have you been able to use the current content in your work?
Yes, courses in the Fall Quarter helped me in my previous role in the diagnostic imaging industry. Our startup was selling a shift towards value-based care to PCPs. A refresh on the U.S. Healthcare System gave me a leg up in understanding insurance/how compliance is essential in different payor models.
