Connor Stricklen

What does public health mean to you?

Public health plays a big part in improving the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the communities around us. The emphasis public health has on preventative care allows us to aid individuals before certain problems occur in their lives.

Why did you choose to study public health at WVU?

I chose to study public health because I was intrigued with the idea of preventative care, and I wanted to help people before their problems began to affect their health outcomes.

Have any members of the faculty or staff influenced you in a unique way?

One member of the faculty that has influenced me the most is Scot McIntosh. Mr. McIntosh was an amazing instructor but an even better outlet for myself and other students to come talk to about various things, whether it be public health related or even just about life. Having an instructor like Mr. McIntosh creates a safe and healthy environment in the School of Public Health, and I am eternally grateful for him.

Tell us about your field placement experience or other hands-on experiences.

My favorite hands-on experience that I have done is being a healthy food initiative entrepreneur for an organization called FamilyCare Health Centers. In this position, I was tasked with creating school food gardens and garden clubs at low-income schools in Charleston, West Virginia, along with creating pop-up farmers markets at said schools. I learned many skills throughout the experience including construction, farming, teaching and economic.

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

The School of Public Health is a school that cares about their students, not only while they are in school but also about their future career post-schooling. They provide many resources to help with future career paths and also teach their students the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in a career setting. WVU as a whole is a university that cares about their students physical and mental well-being, and provides many opportunities for fun activities and aid.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

One piece of advice that I would give my freshman self would be to not stress about schoolwork or even the future to come, because everything always works out for its greater purpose.

How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?

The School of Public Health has helped prepare me for my future by teaching me the skills necessary for future career paths. To be more specific, one skill that I learned through experiences in the program is how to network. My classes taught me how to talk to individuals both in-person and online, and taught me the importance of networking in public health.

What do you plan to do upon completion of your degree?

Upon completion of my bachelor's in public health, I plan to pursue a master's degree in population health. After this, I plan to create a nonprofit organization tasked with combatting healthy food access in West Virginia. As someone who has lived their entire life in West Virginia, I have seen the desperate need to make healthy food more accessible and that is why it is my area of emphasis.

Tell us about your first-generation experience. 

As a first-generation student, it makes me feel very grateful for the opportunity that I have only because of my parents, who were not able to have the same opportunity as me. This has made me determined to academically thrive and have a successful college career. 

Any additional involvement in activities or comments about the program?

I am secretary of the Student Association of Public Health, and we are always looking for new members and holding many fun opportunities to come meet fellow students in public health.