Kylee Vaillancourt
I chose to study public health because it allows me to seek many different interests within one field.
What does public health mean to you?
Public health means a lot to me but most importantly it means addressing issues amongst the community and finding ways to improve one's health based upon those issues.
Why did you choose to study Public Health at WVU?
I chose to study public health at WVU because the program itself allows me to seek many different interests within one field. It allows me to be prepared in my career to explore all different aspects of the real world within public health.
When did you realized public health was the right fit for you?
I knew public health was the right fit for me when I realized I wanted to go to class every day because I thoroughly enjoyed what I was learning. Public health is so broad that I knew there was going to be the right fit for me. I always knew I wanted to help people, so finding my passion in healthcare administration allows me to do that.
What is a unique experience you had during your time at WVU?
A unique experience that I have had at WVU is my capstone experience. All public health students must complete this experience and it makes us unique to all other students at WVU. We get hands-on experience in our field before we graduate. I think it makes us much more employable compared to someone who does not have experience.
Tell us about your field placement experience.
My field experience was at the Mon. County Health Department. I loved my experience! I am so grateful that it was during a pandemic because I was able to develop skills I otherwise would not have. I understood that making decisions in a timely manner was essential but also how those decisions are ever changing as the pandemic is fluid. Specifically, I participated in registering individuals for COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics, and I helped contact trace any individual in the county who has tested positive.
Have any particular faculty members made an impact on you while at WVU?
Dr. Steve Davis is a professor who goes above and beyond for his students because he truly does want them to learn the most possible. From having a flexible schedule to meet with any student to address their needs to giving out of class opportunities for students to engage in public health issues, he is a professor who represents his true passion for teaching every day.
You’ve spent part of your academic journey during a very unique time in our history, what has been the good and bad about studying public health during a pandemic?
I think the good part about studying public health during the pandemic is understanding that we truly need prevention. Many did not realize that prevention is important, so after this pandemic, public health careers have been more vital to understanding how to emerge from this pandemic.
I do not think there were really any negatives to studying public health during the pandemic. The only thing I can think of is less in-person interactions. Getting used to talking to professors, community members and other students via zoom was hard. Public health requires in-person interactions, so having those over zoom made us all change our plans.
What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Public Health?
The School of Public Health at WVU is a place where you always feel at home. There are endless amounts of opportunities for students to get involved in the community. It is a place where memories are made, knowledge is learned and a career is made.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self to enjoy every moment because college goes by so fast. Do not stress but instead think about the bright future ahead!
What do you plan to do upon completion of your degree?
After graduation, I plan on pursuing my master’s in healthcare administration. I am hoping that it will be at WVU. Since I am graduating in December, I am going to take the time to apply to jobs, as, well in Boston to keep my options open. My ultimate career goal is to work in operations for a hospital. I want to one day, hopefully, run a hospital.
What will you always remember from your time at WVU?
One thing I will always remember from my time at WVU is the amazing education I received. I loved my experience in Public Health and would not trade it for anything. The faculty and staff are amazing and make sure that you are meeting all your goals.
What do you think is the best tradition at WVU?
The best tradition is singing "Country Roads" at the end of a sports game win, especially a win in the Coliseum is the best, it is so electric!
What are you looking forward to most after graduation?
I am looking forward to having time off after graduation before I start my master’s. I am excited to be able to have a good amount of time off from school to look for jobs that would allow me to pursue my master's at the same time.
Is there something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am so meticulous about my car. It has to be clean all the time, inside and outside. I think this comes from my type A personality, being organized, and somewhat of a perfectionist.