Bachelor of Science in Community Health graduate Taylor Thomas reflects on her education pathway
Recently, I graduated with the Winter 2022 class with my Bachelor of Science in Community Health. In reflecting on my time at Mason, I can say with confidence that I was naïve about how methodical I believed my college journey would be. It is almost humorous that at 18 years old I would have wagered my modest Panera Bread cashier paycheck that my life would go exactly according to the plan I mapped out. That is the beauty of hindsight, I suppose.
I came to what was formerly known as the College of Health and Human Services as a nursing student, living in the nursing Living Learning Community my first year. As a first-year student, I was given the opportunity to tour the Skills Laboratory and Population Health Center to see Mason Nurses in action. Their zest was palpable. I learned so much about the nursing profession and gained an immense respect for the work they do. While I am so grateful for the experiences I was afforded, it was during this time that I realized nursing was no longer the path I wanted to pursue. Although my path was altered, I had a new destination.
At the suggestion of my academic advisor, I registered for GCH 205 Global Health for the Global Understating prerequisite of the nursing curriculum. I don’t think either of us realized how impactful that one course would be. I recall on the first day of class my professor saying that our entire lesson that day would be on defining health. I remember sitting at my desk with only one question on my mind: “why?” Why would we dedicate 75 minutes to defining something so simple? Health is when your body is functioning without complication; what more could there be to it than that? My professor proceeded to put up a PowerPoint slide with the World Health Organization’s definition of health. When I read “health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” on the projection, I felt like a cartoon character with a bulb lighting above my head. One week later, I was back in my academic advisor’s office filling out a change of academic major form—Community Health is where I was meant to be.
There is something especially fulfilling about connecting with your course of study beyond completing work for a passing grade. Before coming to Mason and declaring a Community Health major, I had never known what it meant to be enthusiastic about work. There was this whole new field I previously knew nothing about but now found myself loving deeply. With each new lecture about health-promoting behavior theories or health challenges in vulnerable populations, I gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of what it takes to achieve holistic health. I wanted to be a part of a field that affects health on such a large scale.
Being in this program has given me the desire to share what I have learned with those around me. With friends and family, I have found myself being a vocal advocate for vaccinations and routine health screenings.
I would be remiss not to mention how much the faculty and staff contributed to my development. It was always thrilling to learn about the professional experiences my professors brought to the classroom. My professors were epidemiologists, health educators, researchers, and so many others who are on the frontlines of public health. I am thankful for all I’ve learned from them.
My academic advisor, Maria Perez, has supported me since I was a first-year student. We also worked together to teach the College’s sections of University Studies UNIV 100 classes. She wrote letters of recommendation and has always been there to be a professional reference. Even as I conclude my time at Mason, I still consider her to be a colleague and friend.
During my last semester, I have worked in the College’s Office of Marketing and Communications. It has been my plan to pursue a career in health education and communication, and it was this role that solidified my decision. I’d like to thank Mary Cunningham, Michelle Thompson, Brandon Cantrell, and Emma Anderson for this. I would not have had such an opportunity if I had not been in the College.
Contrary to what I thought when I was 18, at the age of 21, I cannot say I know exactly what lies ahead. What I do know, however, is that my destination is clearer than ever, and I have the skills to get there, no matter what challenges may present themselves during the journey.
This upcoming spring, I will continue my public health journey at George Washington University to pursue my Master of Public Health.
Thank you, Mason Nation; I will forever carry my Patriot Pride!