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What inspired you to choose your field of study?

The inspiration for choosing Health Promotion at Dalhousie University came from my aunt. As a Dalhousie alumna, she graduated from the School of Health and Human Performance with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. I have always looked up to her and admired her passion for making a difference in the health and well-being of others in our community.

I knew I wanted to help my community through the field of health, but I could never identify a specific area because there were so many avenues to choose from. I wanted to pursue something that would allow me to work at the community level in non-profit organizations and create policy change within the public sector or health authorities. With her knowledge of the School of Health and Human Performance, my aunt told me about the Health Promotion program and thought I would enjoy it because it offered exactly that. She was absolutely right, and I have loved the program since my first day!

What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget?

A few moments at Dalhousie University that I will never forget are the annual faculty galas hosted by the Student Association of Health and Human Performance (SAHHPer). Truly, I cannot think of one particular gala that stands out above the rest because each one during my undergrad was memorable in its own way. The galas brought together students and faculty to celebrate achievements, build connections, and recognize the strong sense of community within the faculty. What made it so significant to me was the opportunity to reflect on all we had accomplished together and celebrate the relationships and memories built throughout my time at Dalhousie University.

Who supported you along the way and how?

Many people supported me along the way, including my parents, family, friends, partner, and co-workers, as they gave me the strength each day to complete my studies through every semester. However, my biggest supporters were the friends and faculty members within the Health Promotion program.

With the program accepting only 40 students each year, the Health Promotion community at Dalhousie University is small but mighty. It created a unique, supportive, and collaborative environment both inside and outside the university, where we supported one another. Through words of encouragement and celebrating each other’s achievements, I am proud to have been there for my fellow Health Promotion graduates this year and cannot thank everyone who supported me enough.

Is there an academic or non-academic (eg: on-campus clubs, sports, employment) experience, project, or hands-on learning opportunity that really impacted you?

One experience that really impacted me was attending an event I helped plan with the Health Promotion Society during my first year of undergrad. It was a networking and social event where Dalhousie University alumni, faculty members, health promotion professionals, and other individuals working in related health fields shared their journeys with students and had the opportunity to network with one another.

It was incredible to see all the different avenues that the field of Health Promotion can branch into, and it made me excited about what my future in Health Promotion could look like. What was even more profound was seeing how supportive and connected the Health Promotion community is in Nova Scotia. I felt proud and reassured to know I had joined such an incredible community where people come together to support one another.

Did you receive a scholarship, bursary or other award as a Dal student? If so, how did that impact your Dal experience and what did that support mean to you?

As a Dalhousie student, I received a renewable entrance scholarship and a renewable bursary. This greatly impacted my Dalhousie experience, as I managed to keep both these financial awards for all of my 4 years doing my Health Promotion program and helped to manage any financial stress I had while attending the university. I recognize how privileged I am to have received both a scholarship and a bursary from Dalhousie University, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to flourish academically and make the most of my undergraduate experience.

What does graduating mean to you?

Graduating to me not only means that I get to continue the legacy of my mother’s side of the family of achieving higher education, with my aunts being Dalhousie alumni, but also means being the first on my father’s side of my family to have a bachelor’s degree. Graduating represents all the years of hard work, determination, and growth I have gone through. More than anything, graduating feels bittersweet. It is exciting to celebrate this accomplishment and look ahead to the future, while also reflecting on the memories, friendships, and experiences that made my time at Dalhousie University so meaningful.

What is next for you?

Next, I plan to spend the year continuing my work at Nova Scotia Health Authority while potentially applying to master’s programs to continue my studies at Dalhousie University. I have lived in many places throughout the Maritimes, but Halifax continues to feel like home, and I do not see myself leaving this amazing city anytime soon.

As for how my Health Promotion program relates to my future, I believe it provides a strong foundation for other health-related master’s programs at Dalhousie University while also giving me a unique background and perspective on health. The principles rooted in Health Promotion allow me to apply what I have learned to better understand the barriers and determinants that many individuals and communities face when accessing healthcare and to help foster more equitable healthcare. I will be able to apply this knowledge to my future career in healthcare in Nova Scotia.