Finding my passion of International Studies and Health at GHIC

The excitement I had to attend the Global Health and Innovation Conference was indeed matched by all the speakers and my fellow Health Studies students and was one of the most inspiring and influential conferences I've attended thus far. As I attended each of the individual sessions, I noticed a pattern; each speaker spoke with such enthusiasm and fervor as they discussed their topic and answered our never-ending questions that were filled with curiosity and intrigue. Witnessing that was so inspiring, seeing that each of the speakers have found a passion that they dedicated so much time and effort to. Whether that topic was using videogames to increase knowledge of HIV risks or bioethical challenges doctors endured while practicing medicine in different countries, each was delivered with an sincere eagerness to share what they have learned.

Not only was the conference itself a wonderful opportunity, but attending the event with other Health Studies students made the experience that much more exceptional. I got to introduce myself to a wide range of Health Studies students, from first year to fourth year, that informed me of opportunities related to health I had no idea were even possible. We could converse about interesting courses they have previously taken, or even volunteering and work opportunities such as a speech pathology related job or organizing a global health symposium.

Overall, the experience had such a profound impact both on me as a student and as an individual. The very essence of the conference appealed to my greatest passions – health and international studies. By attending the Global Health and Innovation Conference I've discovered so many new avenues and career opportunities that the Health Studies program can help me achieve by applying what I've learned in the classroom and broadening and expanding that knowledge to global scale. I would completely recommend anyone with an interest in global health to attend this conference as it has certainly provided me with a memorable experience that I can apply to so many different aspects of my life and future endeavors.