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Sandra BourdonGeorgia, USAClass of 2023
- What is your major/minor?
- Human Health BA with a Concentration in Health Innovation
- Why did you decide to major/minor in Human Health at Emory?
- During my senior year of high school, I toured the local public health department and saw a glimpse of the many different aspects of health. As someone from a FLI background, it was the first time I had seen careers in health that didn't necessarily fall under medicine. A career in health could focus on nutrition, environmental factors, and navigating policy to make healthcare more accessible. After I received the QuestBridge Scholarship that allowed me to attend Emory, I searched for a major that would allow me to learn more about the different factors that impact health. Stepping onto Emory's campus, I knew I wanted to major in Human Health.
- Once you receive your degree in Human Health at Emory, what's next for you?
- I'm not sure yet! I'm applying to jobs right now, and I hope to be able to continue projects and community service efforts in my spare time. :) Wherever I go, I certainly have a more holistic view of health, especially after learning more about the Social Determinants of Health.
- What advice do you have for someone considering a major/minor in Human Health at Emory?
- I would highly recommend it! One of the things I love about the major is how interdisciplinary it is. I love that we're studying health humanities. You get to learn how factors such as stress and mental health affect the body on a biological level, but you also learn about the lived experience of affected individuals. Whether you're pre-med, BBA, going into research, or just interested in the material, the courses within the major push us to be better human beings and to have more compassion for others. I would advise future Human Health majors to find their interest - whether it be global health broadly, maternal health, WASH, or the Social Determinants of Health (my favorite) - there are classes and opportunities outside the classroom that will allow you to explore those opportunities. I would also recommend reaching out to professors if you're interested in their work or just want to learn more about them!
- What part of the Emory experience do you enjoy the most?
- I have enjoyed the ability to explore different fields of study and to make connections across them. I love that I've been able to take classes like The Self in Performance (which combines theater and therapy) with Professor Craig-Mann, Writing Bodies with Dr. Eagle, Sociological Aspects of Health and Illness with Dr. Idler, and Business and Society with Professor Longhofer. I also love that students are given opportunities to apply what they've learned in the classroom through initiatives like the Field Scholars Awards Program (shoutout to Dr. Hall-Clifford!). I am truly grateful to be able to explore my interests and to be given the opportunity to thrive and flourish as a student.
