Learning in Community: Exploring Public Health through Service

Hello all! My name is Mary and I recently graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. I studied Public Health with a concentration in diversity. I plan on eventually obtaining my Masters in Public Health and will pursue a career in health promotion and wellness. I was first introduced to public health after a very formative internship in Tanzania working with communities affected by HIV/AIDS. It was eye-opening to finally understand that in many cases, the barriers to health are not technical, or even medical, but social. I am excited to continue learning more about the social determinants of health. Outside of my love for public health, I enjoy running, cycling, cooking, and listening to podcasts!

As a member of National Health Corps Chicago, I am excited for my position as a respiratory Health Educator at Respiratory Health Association. During my year of service as a Health Educator, I hope to learn more about the complicated and multifaceted health problems that are a result of inequalities within the city of Chicago. I am also eager to learn about community partnership building and health policy/advocacy. Furthermore, I am so excited to learn from other NHC members who share the same values and goals as I do!

This blog post was written by NHC Chicago 2017-18 member Mary Rosenwinkel.

Mary will be a Health Educator at Respiratory Health Association.