During my time in Suriname, I truly learned what public health threats were evident within the nation of Suriname and how to tackle those issues both for Suriname and the United States as well. Issues like health access which are directly tied to other issues like transportation, were eye-opening to witness firsthand. It was my first experience towards the idea of One Health and how various factors tied to the plant health, animal health, and human health impact our environment. It was intriguing to see how we as future public health professionals and healthcare providers can learn from the environment to promote and provide care to all who need it.

I plan on graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Minor in Chemistry and a Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine in April 2027. Beyond that I plan to pursue my Masters in Public Health in Health Policy and Management to get a greater understanding of the laws and regulations that. Along with that I hope to pursue and apply to medical school with the goal of becoming a physician. I plan to tie the concepts of health policy and medicine to advocate for the health and well-being of patients. My time in Suriname was a surreal experience that I will never forget.

The opportunity to have traveled abroad for the first time in 18 years was an experience I will always cherish. From the connections made with the cohort, Dr. Abdoel Wahid, and Dean Lichtveld to the experiences made with tour guides and locals within both the capital and the interior. Getting the chance to experience a completely different country with an immense culture and way of life was a blessing that I am truly thankful for, If I were to provide any advice to a student considering this, I would say to remind yourself of your goals and future career and use every bit of this experience to fuel that passion and absorb every piece of information or advice you receive.