Villanova University Entry Essay

During my undergraduate career at Villanova University, I studied Communications, with a specialization in Public Relations. I also participated in the rigors of Division 1 athletics on the Women’s Lacrosse team. As such, my priorities at the time did not align with the millions of American people concerned about their health care coverage. In fact, the accessibility, affordability, and quality of health care is something that I have often overlooked and taken for granted, and therefore overlooked, until recently.

My decision to begin graduate coursework in Public Health was motivated by my suffering from a rare health condition during my time at Villanova, only to be further reinforced by a medical volunteer trip to Ghana, Africa. The field

After being diagnosed in recent years with Erythema Nodosum and Reactive Arthritis from recurrent streptococcal infections, taught me to value a medical profession. The process of diagnosis and the subsequent communication with patients is crucial to the quality of healthcare and something I appreciate largely due to my undergraduate studies. Communication, in my eyes, has proven to be the key to success of doctor’s relationship with her/his patients. Due to my exposure to a variety of medical practices, I understand firsthand the therapeutic effect an encouraging smile and reassuring confident manner from a doctor has on both patients and families. For weeks, I watched the Infectious Disease and Rheumatologist specialists warily watch over me until I eventually showed signs of a positive progression in my both my physical and mental health. Witnessing their high-quality standard of care and immense knowledge made me realize just how vital the role of proper medical care and treatment has on one’s quality of life, and inspired me to consider pursuing a career in health care strongly. I value SDSU Master of Public Health’s mission because it prepares students not only for the practice of public health policy but the research and education of health issues and inequity in the field, for future professionals to translate that knowledge. This will help create innovative health care solutions for populations around the