Overcoming the What-ifs Before Travel
Hailey Westbrook
1st Year MPH Epidemiology Student
The Public Health in Action: San Antonio class has less than a month before we depart on a week-long adventure to San Antonio. When I think about the trip, I feel not only nerves but also excitement. It’s nerve-wracking to think that we will have only a couple of days to try and understand the issues, as well as the strengths, that the San Antonio community is facing in regard to age-related conditions and diseases. I think every public health student, professional, researcher, etc. has felt the feeling of: what if we get it wrong, or what if we misrepresent the true needs and desires of the community? Those types of sentiments constantly run through me when I ponder the trip that has yet to come. Although these feelings are not irrational, I also have to remind myself of the actual scope of the trip and what we’ve come to do. It is clear that our findings will not change the entire trajectory for the community; however, I do feel solace that it will at least bridge a gap between the community and public health officials. I feel excited to learn more about not only the health scene in San Antonio, but also the deep history and roots of the community living there. I think it is always a fascinating time to step into a city and truly understand what makes that city unique. I hope that we do make meaningful change, not only for the community but for ourselves. So I don’t doubt that these types of what-ifs will stop, but I also don’t doubt that my hopes for a true and unique experience won’t either.
