Born and raised in the picturesque small town of Mexico, Kentucky, I've always carried with me the values of close-knit communities and a strong sense of purpose. I graduated high school with only one goal: Find a passion, not a job. I pursued higher education at the University of Kentucky, where I tried my fair share of majors—not because I was lost on what I wanted to do, but because I have an insatiable curiosity and drive for knowledge that has always motivated me to explore and dabble in different areas of expertise—so, I acquired a lot of new skills and familiarity with various subjects.
After college, I married my high school sweetheart, and we started a family. Being a dad has undeniably surpassed any expectation or goals I had imagined in my mind. The passion I was searching for, I fully realized when I became a father for the first time. I’m a nurturer and through trial and error, I found where I would devote my life’s work: in the realm of public health.
Taking on a job as a Communicable Disease Investigator (CDI) during the COVID-19 pandemic was a profound experience that allowed me to play an active role in combating the virus's spread within our statewide community. It was a time of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As a CDI, I was on the frontlines of public health, responsible for reaching out to individuals who had tested positive, identifying their close contacts, and providing essential information and guidance. The work was not only critical in slowing the virus's transmission but also deeply rewarding as I could see the immediate positive effects of our efforts. It was a testament to the resilience and dedication of healthcare workers and public health professionals across the world, and a reminder of the importance of collective action in times of crisis.
My path into public health wasn’t immediate, and it’s paved with many a diverse experience, but I wouldn’t trade a day from any of the roles I’ve held in search of my true calling. In embarking on a journey to find my passion over “just a job”, I honed my communication and interpersonal skills, while also gaining a deep appreciation for the importance of effective leadership.
Now, I stand at the intersection of my past and my future, eagerly seeking a position in the public health sector. While I’ve enjoyed my time working contract jobs for the state, I’ve set a couple of goals for myself. The first is to leverage my academic background, customer service acumen, and unwavering commitment to community well-being to secure a permanent position that enables me to make a meaningful impact on public health initiatives. The second is to be accepted to a master’s program where I can satisfy my unwavering curiosity for knowledge and start work on a master’s in public health. With an innate drive to improve health outcomes and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, I am excited to contribute to the betterment of our society through a career in public health.
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