MSc Public Health and Health Promotion. Class of 2021.
Where are you working now?
Equality for All Foundation Jamaica
What is your current job?
Health and Wellness Programme Manager
How did you end up at Swansea University?
In 2019, I was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue my postgraduate studies. Out of the three universities I applied for and was accepted to, I choose Swansea University. Funnily, my school of first choice was in London. I always tell the story of how Dr. Ruth Hopkins, Senior Lecturer in Public Health in the Department of Public Health Policy and Social Sciences was my deciding factor.
What were the best things about your course?
The challenges it posed. Public health and health promotion issues are never black and white. Interventions are rooted in a lot of social, political, economical factors. I appreciated that the programme allowed us to see public health through the lens of different countries. Individual students had the opportunity to speak about public health issues in their country and how those issues were being tackled. It also provided a space for reflection on one's own country and for both comparison and contrast to be made.
What are your favourite memories from your time at Swansea?
Life on a beach from campus. The other Chevening Scholars and I had a blast during summer on the Swansea Bay Beach.
Early Saturday morning wake up for Swansea Bay Parkrun.
Volunteering at Matthew's House (Matt's Cafe)
What did you do after graduation?
Prior to submitting my Dissertation in December 2020, I interviewed for and was offered the role as Health and Wellness Coordinator at Equality for All Foundation Jamaica.
Were you a member of any student societies or did you take advantage of any other opportunities?
University Life
1. Student Rep- I was elected Student Rep for the 2019/20 MSc Public Health and Health Promotion Cohort through the Swansea University Students' Union.
2. Marketing, Recruitment, International Conference- I was chosen from the 2019/20 Swansea University Chevening Cohort to speak at the university's Marketing, Recruitment and International Conference. My presentation focused on my work in Jamaica- including Jamaica Moves Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Behaviour Change Campaign & Safe Space JA (Mental Health Education, Awareness and Advocacy). I also highlighted the Chevening Scholarships and my future aspirations after completing my MPHHP.
Volunteerism
1. I volunteered at Matthew's House (Matt's Cafe). Matthew's House is a charity that intercepts perfectly edible food destined for bins by local supermarkets and businesses, and turns it into delicious 'home-cooked' style meals available to all. But particularly those who are homeless or vulnerable.
https://matthewshouse.org.uk/
Special Events
1. We (Swansea University Chevening Scholars) got a special invitation to attend a panel discussion between ‘Gutsy Welsh Women’ organised and executed by Swansea University. The panellists, Kirsty Williams- Wales' Education Minister, Professor Laura McAllister and Professor Elwen Evans, shared the stage with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton as the Guest of Honour.
2. To continue the tradition of celebrating International Students who came to Swansea University on a scholarship, we got a special invitation to attend the International Scholarship Holders Dinner in November. The ceremony recognizes scholarship holders individually and as a group, based on the scholarship awarded and their native country.
Supporting Charity:
1. I participated in Swansea 10K MoRun. The run is one of the fundraising initiatives for Movember- the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year-round. The Movember Foundation looks at mental health through a male lens, focusing on prevention, early intervention and health promotion. This ties back with my work with Safe Space JA (Mental Health Awareness, Education and Advocacy) initiative.
I've also contributed to three Chevening Scholar Blogs:
https://www.chevening.org/news/eight-of-my-best-orientation-moments/
https://www.chevening.org/news/twelve-people-who-helped-cure-my-homesickness/
https://www.chevening.org/news/five-times-the-british-weather-has-let-me-down/
Where are you working now?
Equality for All Foundation Jamaica
Prior to starting the MSc programme, my background was in Communication. The MSc. Public Health and Health Promotion gave me credibility in my current field. Almost 2 years later, I can appreciate the transferrable skills, the networking, the exposure that being a student at Swansea University afforded me.
What is a typical day like your job?
If I'm being honest, there is no 'typical day' in my job. No two days are ever a like. That's what makes it interesting and fulfilling. The most exciting thing is that I get to be a changemaker in some way, shape or form. My work involves LGBTQ+ health-related advocacy, with the overall aim of reducing LGBTQ health inequalities.
What advice would you give to anyone considering studying at Swansea?
Take up space. There is enough space for you to do, see, explore. There is enough space for you to learn, unlearn and relearn. Engage with not only the university, but the Swansea community. You will find that your experience is heightened when you begin to feel part of that community. Find your space.