By Helena Likaj, BA
Prior to attending APHA I had many mixed emotions on how the experience was going to be. I found myself anxious, intimidated, and questioning what did I get myself into. As a first semester public health student I am very new to the field of public health and the thought of being surrounded by established public health professionals terrified me. Before I knew it I had no more time to worry and I was ready to be thrown into the APHA experience.
My first experience at APHA was the MCH networking event. When I heard that we were going to be speed networking my heart dropped. What did I have to offer? What would I say? These are a few of the many questions that raced throughout my mind as we began sitting at our assigned tables. As the speed networking began I found myself focusing less on myself but more on the stories and interests those surrounding me shared. That set the precedent for the rest of my APHA experience. Yes, I was there to grow personally but through self-reflection of what others were presenting and offering could I best grow.
I found myself inspired throughout APHA. The opening ceremony gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. I was truly moved. The feeling of being surrounded by strangers of all different backgrounds is a strange feeling. This feeling was easily diminished by the similarity we shared, our passion for public health. We all have a desire to better the lives of those around us somehow and there is something powerful to that. I was inspired, motivated, educated, and emotional during the entire APHA experience. I am already looking forward to next year’s APHA experience but am holding onto the experiences, knowledge, and memories I gained this year.
Helena Likaj is a first-year MPH student and MCHLT Scholar, concentrating in Maternal and Child Health.
