This class reminded me that I am human. Anjulie Ganti's words will always ring in my head "I'm here to give you the confidence to enter the workforce". Current public health practitioners are relying on YOU to bring conversations of anti-racism into public health practice".
Taking this class has made me very grateful to be in my major because it mixes health, personal reflection and growth, anti-racism, and community collaboration all into the things we learn and apply.
Something that I have been thinking about a lot is how higher education has narrowed my mindset down to a constant "hustle" culture and how I need to figure out what my next step is going to be. However, I have realized that this has inhibited me from celebrating my wins and being able to be in the present. I have realized these aspects have led me to forget my "WHY", forget how I can align my values with my work, and how I can align my values with my present as well.
So, why am I here? I'm here because of my family. I am a first-generation Asian American studying at the University of Washington. My positionality has allowed me to accumulate generational wealth, to pursue higher education, and to pursue my dreams. But this did not come easy for my parents and grandparents. So I am here for them.
I am also here for me. I want to pursue my passions, learn about public health, and grow my own skillset so that I can make meaningful impact in the communities around me surrounding population health.
I am also here for the public health issues I am curious about. I am here for the marginalized populations. I am here to break the legacy of racism and the systems of power that continue to uphold that racism.
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