From Flights to Fieldwork (and Food!)
Zoe Gurney
As we get close to our much-awaited field trip to Grenada, I’m feeling both over-the-moon and nervous. Although I’ve previously visited other nations in the Caribbean (e.g., Cuba and Belize), I have never visited Grenada before. However, I’m thrilled for the upcoming the opportunity to collaborate with Grenada’s Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs through my PUBHLTH-616: Public Health in Action (International) course.
In Summer 2025, I completed a 10-week internship at the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Immunization. I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to observe and learn firsthand how China might organize and conduct public health work in a large metropolitan city (Shanghai). Going into PUBHLTH-616, I’m so excited to work with and learn from Grenada’s Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs, and to deepen my understanding of how public health practice varies across cultural and national contexts.
Although I had the privilege of visiting Bexar County, TX and supporting South Central Area Health Education Center in March 2025 through PHAST’s other Public Health in Action course, I know that the work I’ll do in Grenada will take place within a very different cultural, historical, and social context than the work I completed the year prior. Based on what I learned from my previous experience in the past Public Health in Action course, I will be sure to keep an open mind, approach the community recognizing that I’m being graciously invited into their space, and remain flexible and adaptable so that my contributions are informed by local knowledge, priorities, and lived experiences.
Beyond the classroom and fieldwork, I’m also excited to experience Grenada through its culture and cuisine. Spices, seafood, and fresh fruits galore! I’m a big believer that food can represent the history and culture of communities, so I’m excited to learn [and feast on] on Grenada’s culinary wonders!
Overall, I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to my upcoming trip!
