Baylee Burns
The WVU School of Public Health is small enough that I get the feeling of a small community, and WVU is large enough that I get the connections and opportunities of a large school.
What does public health mean to you?
To me, public health means determining what resources a community needs to be healthy and getting those resources to the community members. Not just knowing what they need or throwing resources at them--but finding a way to do both.
Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?
I have always had a passion for public health issues, and when I learned that I could use a degree in public health to make a difference it was the next logical step for me. The WVU School of Public Health is small enough that I get the same feeling of community of a small school, while WVU is large enough that I get the connections and opportunities of a large school.
Have any members of the faculty or staff influenced you in a unique way?
The first School of Public Health faculty that I met was Audra Hamrick. At the time I was not a public health student, and I had reached out to her for more information about the School and programs. She immediately welcomed and encouraged me, which meant a lot to me during a time when I was so unsure. Since then she has connected me with opportunities, resources, and contacts in WVU, Morgantown, and even my hometown.
Tell us about your field placement experience or other hands-on experiences.
As a public health student, I recently got the opportunity to work with the Monongalia County Health Department for their annual naloxone distribution event. When preparing for the event, I worked with MCHD staff who educated me about substance use and overdose reversals in the area. During the event, I distributed naloxone and additional resources to WVU students and the community, while also training them on how to administer naloxone.
Tell us about your experience as a first-generation student.
As a first-gen student, I am very grateful for the opportunity to further my education. I wish I had known that nobody has the same college experience, and being a first-gen student just makes me appreciate my own experiences more.
What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Public Health?
The School of Public Health faculty and staff care about students and their perspectives. They're always working with students to adapt to their needs. Even though it seemed intimidating at first, being at WVU and in Morgantown introduced me to a wide variety of opportunities for public health experiences.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self to worry less about sticking to a plan and just go with what feels right.
How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?
There are many public health classes focused on career readiness, which have helped prepare me for my future. These classes gave me opportunities and dedicated time to work on important documents, applications, and interviews with peers and staff.
What do you plan to do upon completion of your degree?
After I complete my degree, I plan to remain in West Virginia and use my education and experiences to give back to the communities that shaped who I am today.