It has been a long time since I have written and I don't have much time right now since I am supposed to be finishing up a paper but very briefly wanted to give everyone an update not any deep insights.
It has been just over a year since I have been back in USA. It has been wonderful and very tough: I won't go into the details but will just say that I have learned a lot form the experience, and a lot about what it is that is important to me.
Family.My family is amazing. I have been lucky to witness my sister and my cousin get married since my return. As well as my father's retirement symposium. I love living next to my brother and being in greater touch with my sister and continually getting to know their partners.
What is Global Health? What am I learning?
My perspective on Global Health is from a social justice perspective. Health care should be equitable for all people and it clearly is not. While I realize that America is clearly not a good example of equity within its own population, my interest are with the disparities in developing countries...partially because I am more fascinated by other countries but also because I think that I can and will have a greater impact on peoples lives there. I am looking at going into global health policy and being an advocate for stronger health care system and health institutions that can better serve those left out of the system. While it is moderately broad...I have come to terms that I am one a generalist, two want to work in policy and management (for the time being), three need to feel as though I am contributing to my mission and values of my life.
29.I still feel as though I am 12 at heart but I am wisdoming (I have decided I don't like nor will use the word maturity- too many social construct involved that I don't believe in or abide by). I am transitioning and supposedly bringing my saturn back. What that means to me is that I am establishing my community, more interested in reflecting and learning from all of my experiences and carefully mapping out my next steps. Needless to stay, I will always leave myself open to new events.
This year and beyond.
I am going to be going to Thailand for the summer for my thesis. My thesis is going to be looking at health institutions and the impact that migration as on the care, service and perception. It is part of a larger project that has been conducting surveys and studies in this village in Northeast Thailand for 20 years.
Next year, I have been awarded a Research Assistantship (my schooling paid for!!!) from an amazing organization called HAI: Health Alliance Interational. Currently, I am working with I-TECH designing a behavior change curriculum for frontline health workers in developing countries. These are two of my favorite and biggest organizations working in global health in Seattle (besides PATH and Gates).
This Weekend.I am running my first marathon ever and very excited. There is a group of us that are all marathon virgins and we have been training for the last few months. My legs now make up about 65% of my body mass.
I hope all is well!
Best,
lots of love Noah
