October

 

Wow did things get busy! The first four weeks of class flew quickly by. I have settled into a routine and have really tried to immerse myself in the content. I am taking four main classes. My first class of the week is Key Issues in Development Studies where we discuss methods and theory surrounding international development and what the role of development actors, especially those from western high-income countries, looks like in engaging in interventions aimed at promoting development abroad. We also debate whether development should be measured in economic means, such as GDP, or if it should be examined in terms of access to social services, health, education, and overall quality of life. 

My second class of the week is Population Data Analysis class where we look at trends in fertility, migration, and mortality to determine growth patterns and the needs of future communities. The third class is Global Health; this one is my favorite, which reaffirms my passion for working in global maternal and child health! We examine health around the world, how it impacts development, and how different NGOs, governments, and international stakeholders influence global health interventions. My fourth class is the most unique; it is a class where we gain skills in global health consulting with a real-world client. In a group with five other students, I will work on a research project determining the best way for GAVI (an international NGO that is dedicated to vaccine distribution) to distribute the HPV vaccine through primary healthcare networks in low-income countries. I work directly with project managers at GAVI, giving me real world knowledge about the world of international NGOs and the opportunity to make connections in the field I would like to join after I graduate. I have also picked up a French class to rebuild my language skills from high school! 

This makes for a very packed and work-filled semester, but I am soaking it all in. I am seeing many connections to the Rotary mission every day in class. The importance of community partnership is always highlighted when we discuss international engagement, and I am always excited to remember that Rotary is doing this so well! 

I have also squeezed in some time to travel, visiting a friend from Elon who is living in Paris and exploring Bosnia and Croatia during our fall break this week.