January 3, 2005
A: FROM MENTOR SARAH SHIRK IN IL
Hi Ashley,
I studied public health and joined the Board of Health in my community. It was a good experience to see how public health policy is applied in real life situations. For example when my community was sprayed for West Nile virus prevention, I learned much about how science and public perception can clash. The public that came to our board of health meetings did not believe that the spraying was safe even though scientific evidence proved that it was safe for humans, but not for mosquitoes!

In my undergraduate days I studied many subjects at a small liberal arts college. My majaor was Art History, but I also studied physics, earth science, geology, sociology, education, history, art, and architecture. At UIC I studied public health policy and took biostatistics, epidemiology, community health policy, and many other courses. As you can see you can study many subjects and still get into public health. The field is broad-based and has many specialty areas.

So my response to your question is to study what you enjoy in college, find good teachers and mentors, and talk to many people in public health. The career path will open as you get closer to graduation.

Sincerely,
Sarah