Becca Fint-Clark reflects on her time as School of Public Health student

Becca Fint-Clark had gold and blue in her veins since before she arrived on campus as a student. Coming from a family of Mountaineers in Aurora, W.Va., Becca was instilled with lifelong pride in being a West Virginian and even named her daughter after her hometown. Today, she gives back to her home state as a West Virginia University Extension Monongalia County 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent. 

Why did you choose West Virginia University?

I grew up visiting WVU for various occasions- especially football and basketball games- while making memories, learning new skills, preparing to enter the workforce and having fun. It seemed like the easiest decision I made because I knew I was meant to be here

Do you have a favorite WVU memory?

My most favorite memory from being a student at WVU was when I had the honor of being named Ms. Mountaineer (now the Mountaineers of Distinction Award) in 2004. This prestigious award honors WVU seniors who have an outstanding record of academic achievement in addition to exemplary community and extracurricular involvement.

When they called my name as the winner during of a WVU football game, I was in disbelief. The picture above is of me with my parents (Joe and Stacy Fint) right after I was named Ms. Mountaineer. My mom passed away in 2018 after a battle with breast cancer, so it is especially meaningful to have shared so many wonderful experiences with her. Up until her time of passing, she was a faculty member at WVU and served as the Director of the WVU Intensive English Program. 

This is a memory that I will never forget, and I am still honored to have been selected.

Were there any School of Public Health professors or staff members who made a positive impact on your experience?

I attribute so much to the professors and others that helped me along the way when it comes to having graduated with my Master of Public Health degree. My two biggest cheerleaders and the ones who pushed me to continue and look at the Master of Public Health program are Dr. Ruth Kershner and Dr. Bill Reger-Nash. They believed in me, and I am not sure what I would have done without their confidence.

The other person who helped me beyond measure was Janet Hunt, who served as the practicum director while I was a student. I will never forget when she would hand me back a paper, it was completely covered in red ink. I doubt I loved it as a student, but upon reflection, I realize she really helped me build my skills in writing and I still use those skills to this day. As a WVU Extension Monongalia County 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent, I write grants to secure funding for our programming and build relationships with key stakeholders to ensure that 4-H is a trailblazer is the area of youth development. I feel that I am skilled in communication and a large part of that is because Janet taught me to tell a story by providing details and data in a clear and concise manner. I am so fortunate to have had so many wonderful mentors throughout my time at WVU and I still surround myself with people who help me to be the best that I can be.

Is there anything you'd like to share with current and future students?

I think it is wonderful that students are looking at the School of Public Health to further their educational and career goals. It is a wonderful program, and I am grateful every day for the experiences and knowledge that I gained through the program. My biggest piece of advice is to be active while you are a student. I was able to build relationships with my fellow students and we had so much fun together. I would meet with my professors often and built wonderful relationships with them. I loved my time in graduate school and I think it is because I connected with others while there.