My journey has not been easy but it is mine nonetheless. When I graduated in 2015 with my Bachelors in Clinical Laboratory Science, I was not sure if going back to get my masters was an achievable goal. But I knew getting my Masters in Public Health (MPH) was a goal I needed to achieve for myself. 

I was first introduced to the concept of Public Health in my senior year of undergrad. A very trusted professor was giving me advice on where to go after graduation. He suggested Public Health but I had no concept of what that was, so I did what I do best; I started researching. Without knowing it, I have been fighting for my own Public Health ever since I got my first menstural cycle. And I began fighting for my fathers when he fell ill and no one would believe him. And for my friends when they were told their pain was not real. 

As a young girl, I knew my cycles were not normal and I knew there was something wrong. For years I would go back and forth to doctors and be told my hormones are a little off but nothing to worry about. But there was something to worry about. I fought and fought until I found a doctor that believed me and gave me a diagnosis; which lead to a treatment plan. Thank you God.

My father started getting sick and doctors thought he was lying to get more pain medication. I personally believe they had that bias against him because of his past as an intravenous drug user. My father was clean for almost 30 years and was getting his life on track. Due to the reluctance of his doctors, his disease progressed from cirrhosis into liver cancer; which ultimately took his life. If he was believed earlier in this disease life cycle, he could have lived longer.

I do not want another young brown girl to go through what I went through to get a diagnosis for myself and I do not want another daughter to lose her father too soon. 

I’ve even dedicated my jobs to be in the Public Health field. I currently work for a BioAg startup that is striving to reduce our dependence on chemical fertilizers by inducing a symbiotic microbe’s ability to make food for the plant. It beings me joy to know I am having a direct impact on how our food supply is being grown. 

This is why I am pursuing my MPH and will further my education by getting a DrPH soon after. But I need help. 

I was able to get my tuition paid for but now I seek funds to get a new laptop, iPad and book expenses for the next 3 years while I get my MPH. I have totaled this out to be approximately $10,500.00. I know it is a lot of money and I know times are difficult. I just pray someone feels the need to bless me.

Peace and Be Blessed.