Megan Townsend

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

My experiences in the West Virginia University School of Public Health have helped prepare me for my future better than I ever could have imagined. In addition to the many technical skills gained, I have learned how to communicate more effectively with others. 

The School of Public Health makes sure you not only learn classroom material but life skills as well. I think that is something extremely important that this school has mastered. There are also countless people who have always been more than willing to help in any way I ever needed. 

Tell us about your field placement experience. 

I did my field placement at Healthy Harrison with John Paul Nardelli. Getting to work with this organization taught me many valuable skills that I will continue to use throughout my career. I learned how to communicate with professionals, use camera and microphone equipment and about Healthy Harrison as an organization. 

Is there anyone in the WVU School of Public Health or beyond you'd like to thank?  

France Weaver really made me realize that I have a true passion for not only healthcare administration but finance as well. Her excitement and eagerness to teach us every day in class really made learning some difficult topics easier. She also always made sure we fully understood topics before we would move on to something new. She helped me form into the student I am today!  

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

The School of Public Health has everything you will ever need. The staff and students are amazing and are always willing to go the extra mile to help someone out. Don't be afraid to ask your professors questions; they love it and want to talk to you!  

Share your favorite WVU memory.  

Beating Virginia Tech at home in my second year here. That moment was so fun to be a part of and showed me what it meant and felt like to be a Mountaineer. Singing “Country Roads “at the end of the game was the best way to end that day!  

What advice would you give to your freshman self?  

Don't be afraid to speak up when you have questions, and definitely do not be scared to send a professor an email. Along with that, remember to have fun! The time here goes by so fast, and you'll be a senior before you know it. Put yourself out there and don't be afraid of failure.  

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

I plan to start the Master of Health Administration program here at the School of Public Health in August.