Conclusion

Completing this portfolio has given me the opportunity to reflect on my five years at the University of Florida and all of my personal and professional experiences. While I was always in a health major, I found the Health Education and Behavior field just in time to enter the combined degree program. It really solidified my belief that everything happens for a reason. I immediately became engrossed in my coursework and saw the versatility of the degree. Health education, human behavior, and health promotion is everywhere and can be applied to every career!

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I enjoyed my first HEB courses and joined ESG within that semester as well. The events offered through Eta Sigma Gamma showed me the versatility of health education and introduced me to community outreach through tabling events. As I got further into the major and more involved with ESG, I realized this was the right major for me and combines my interests in health, educating, and working with individuals of varying backgrounds. Applying for secretary was out of my comfort zone, but encouragement from ESG members and friends in Sigma Kappa gave me the courage to apply. It has shaped who I am, my future career goals, and helped me discover what I am really interested in within this field. Serving as secretary has allowed me to be very involved within the HEB department and get to know the faculty on a personal level. 

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My internship is my most valued experience at UF. I love that our college requires seniors to participate in a full time field experience and, in my situation, to see what a career in Health Education looks like. My internship truly was all inclusive and I was involved in everything the center has to offer.  I saw health education at an individual, community and governmental level through this opportunity!

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I would like to thank my friends and family, especially my parents, for encouraging and supporting me. I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful professors that the department of Health Education has. Dr. Moses has served as a mentor and guided me through each aspect of HEB, from entering the major, committing to the Combined Degree Program, and was my professor for both HEB prerequisite courses as well as HEB core courses. She also is the faculty sponsor for ESG and we work closely together through executive board. Dr. Sanders was my professor for two of my graduate courses and encouraged me to do my best through each assignment, project, and exam. I would like to thank them both for being committed to reviewing my portfolio, serving as references for my resume, and being admirable health educators.