Sangeeta Persaud says she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public health because she has a passion to make an impact on the lives of others and to promote health at a community level.
Name: Sangeeta Persaud
Hometown: Loganville, Georgia
Why did you choose to major in public health?
I chose to major in public health because I have a passion to make an impact on the lives of others and to promote health at a community level. Public health sparks my interests in understanding and addressing underlying factors that can improve health equity and reduce health disparities.
What has been your favorite public health class at Georgia State, and why?
My favorite public health class at GSU was “Social Determinants of Health.” This class really sparked my interest as to why I love public health in the first place. In this class we learned about the variety of factors that contribute to the disparities in public health. These could be education, access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, etc.
Tell us about your campus involvement?
A volunteer opportunity that I've participated in was the MeTa Series Planning Committee. I was able to work with faculty members and students planning and organizing a ‘meet and talk’ social mixer for students, faculty staff and alumni. I contributed by promoting MeTa through tabling events and social media. I also moderated and coordinated breakout sessions. My other participation on campus was being a part of the Undergraduate Public Health Club (UPHC). I was the Vice President and Social Media Coordinator during my third year of undergrad. I developed, implemented and maintained all strategic social media communications, public relations outreach, event activities and materials. I also worked on developing a plan to create visibility and reputability for our club. Lastly, I volunteered at MedShare, packing medical supplies to send off to nonprofit organizations.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Starbucks located on Hurt Plaza. I go there every single morning. The location is not far from Urban Life Building, making it convenient to go to before and after class.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice for incoming students is that it is okay if you do not know what you want to do. It is okay if you do not know exactly what you want to major in. Do your research through the web, see what opportunities your campus offers pertaining to that major, and take one class during the summer that the major requires. If you are good at the subject, then proceed on with that new major. Passion will come eventually whilst learning if this subject interests you.
What’s your career aspiration?
My career aspiration is to be in the corporate side of healthcare. I hope to implement and advocate communications and resources to those who are in third-world countries. I hope to work alongside CDC as a public health communications individual as a spokesperson at the forefront of sharing information about health impacts that our communities face.