These reflection questions will help guide me in thinking about my learning experiences throughout my time in public health. They will allow me to reflect on what I have gained from each experience, how it has contributed to my understanding of public health, and how it connects to my future career goals. By using these questions, I will be able to evaluate my personal and professional growth and identify areas where I can continue to improve.

 

What did I learn from my experience in public health and community involvement?

From my experiences, I learned that public health is not only about treating health issues but also about prevention and education within the community. Through my involvement in my church youth group and shadowing at the Marion County Public Health Department, I gained a better understanding of how community programs and health workers support individuals and families. I also learned the importance of communication, organization, and teamwork when working with different groups of people.

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How did these experiences help shape my career goals in public health?
These experiences helped me realize my strong interest in mental health and community health. Working with people in my church and observing public health professionals showed me that I want to focus on helping underserved populations, especially in mental health. It also confirmed my goal of working for a health department or eventually creating my own mental health organization to support my community.

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What skills did I develop that will help me in my future career?
Through my experiences, I developed communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Serving as a youth leader and assistant secretary helped me improve my ability to manage responsibilities and work with others effectively. Shadowing professionals also helped me learn how public health systems operate and how important attention to detail and professionalism are in the field.