Lydia Rutherford

What is public health?

Public Health is not easy to define because it covers such a broad spectrum, and I knew it was right for me when I found out that there are many directions that the field can lead you. You can work anywhere you would want, such as in a hospital, health department or even go to medical school. The options are limitless within the public health field.

I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career until around my junior year when I took the public mental health course and absolutely fell in love. I chose my future career path because I saw insecurity in mental health care and have always had a passion for helping others. As a mental health counselor, I will be able to tackle the public health issue of mental health by working one by one to lower prevalence rates and mortality rates associated with mental health, and I cannot wait. 

When did you know that you wanted to study public health?

I have always known that I wanted to work within a hospital environment, and originally entered West Virginia University as a pre-nursing student until I heard from a peer about public health. I figured I would check into it, and soon after changed my major. I fell in love with the program shortly after my first semester began because of the warm close-knit environment that the School of Public Health provided. The professors and faculty are more than welcoming, and it did not take long for the School of Public Health to feel like family.  

Why did you choose WVU for your public health education?

Growing up in West Virginia was the sole reason I chose to attend West Virginia University. My family has ‘bled gold and blue’ since I can remember, and I always envisioned myself in the stands one day. I also chose to stay at WVU for my master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling because there is no place I would rather attend. No matter where I end up, I will always consider West Virginia home.

Have you had any particular members of the faculty or staff who made an impact on you while studying at WVU?

There have been several faculty members that made an impact on me throughout my 4.5 years. If I had to choose just one, it would have to be Dr. Steve Davis. I took his class during the COVID-19 switch to remote learning in March 2020 and was also struggling with other issues in my personal life. He really accommodated the switch to online classes as well as my health-related accommodations. The School of Public Health has the best faculty and staff on campus hands down; they truly care about you and your learning!

What are some unique or interesting experiences you’ve had during your time at WVU?

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?

Earning my degree in the middle of a global pandemic is less than ideal, but it did have its advantages. For example, everyone got closer with their families because we were all stuck indoors for so long. Classes were turned completely virtual my senior year, which resulted in me graduating in 4.5 years rather than a typical 4. With that being said, I am glad that everything worked out the way it did because I have met some of my favorite people in this last semester of undergrad. While it is deplorable in terms of public health that COVID-19 occurred, it definitely made coursework a lot more interesting. I was taking epidemiology when we were first switched to virtual classes in March 2020 and the material that we were learning about all semester became first-hand experience.

Tell us about your field placement experience.

I completed my field placement experience at Girls on the Run of North Central West Virginia and my site coordinator was Joanna Mizener. I was a coach for the older girls’ team which consisted of 3^rd-5^thgraders. The nonprofit organization was designed as a program that strengthens girls' social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences. We coached the girls over eight weeks by leading exercises to prepare the girls for the celebratory end of season 5k. The girls met with their teams two times a week to review research-based lessons that incorporated physical activity into fun and engaging ways. The girls were able to build healthy habits and stay physically active while building new friendships and learning new life skills. I learned a lot through the experience and got really close to the girls on my team.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

I plan to attend graduate school here at WVU and was already accepted into the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program! My ultimate career goal is to earn my PhD and open a private practice for treating prevalent childhood and adolescent mental health disorders.

What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Public Health?

Enjoy every moment you have because it will be over before you know it. No matter how tempting it is to go out with your friends rather than prepare for that exam, you need the self-discipline to stay home and prioritize your education because that is the sole reason any of us are here at the end of the day. Prioritize office hours and never be afraid to ask a question or tell a professor that you do not understand something because they are there help you.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Be wary of who you give your energy to; keep people in your life that have the same goals, morals and values that you do. Never settle, and above all, do not ever give up on yourself.

What will you always remember from your time at WVU?

I will never forget belting "Country Roads" at the top of my lungs on game day after a big win. There is nothing more thrilling than connecting to strangers at a tailgate over nothing more than pure school spirit. The campus may be small compared to other schools, but I never fail to meet a new person every single day. I will miss my time at WVU, but all good things come to an end, and there is nothing more exciting than new beginnings!

What do you think is the best tradition at WVU?

One of the best parts of being a student at WVU is without a doubt going to the football games. When WVU scores a touchdown, field goal or extra points, students within the stands will gather into groups and basket toss someone into the air for each point that is scored.

What are you looking forward to most after graduation?

I am looking the most forward to starting a new chapter in my life which consists of starting my graduate program, moving and ultimately beginning my career as a mental health counselor. As much fun as it was being in Morgantown, I am ready to start fresh someplace new. I am truly looking forward to the bright and exciting future ahead!

Is there something people would be surprised to learn about you?

People would be surprised to learn that I am resilient and have a very determined attitude and mindset. Although it was not always that way, once I found a subject that I was genuinely interested in, I fell in love with my education and wanted to go as far as my brain would take me. Who knows what the future has in store; what I do know is that school is rewarding and does pay off in the end!