While at Duke, I was undoubtedly kept busy like everyone else. I came in as an ambitious student from an international school in Uganda eager to begin pre-med (good times) and change the world with little understanding of what that actually meant. Though as my interests grew I participated in student athletics, intramurals, the African Dance Ensemble, photography, sexual violence prevention programs, was a leader in the Students of Caribbean Association, participated in Duke Engage-WISER, and many other opportunities that shaped my experience. But one of the most influential aspects of my Duke journey was the expanse of exceptional people that I met along the way, especially the women in the Baldwin Scholars Program. Having the opportunity to grow and fellowship with 18 amazing women in my class, and those from other years, is a one of a kind experience. We are all so wildly different, yet united by our passion and drive. We challenged each other, and perhaps this tension teaches us to listen and learn differently- inevitably challenging ourselves. As an alumna, I think I appreciate Baldwin even more, for both the community as well as the leadership knowledge and skill building that gives us the tools to be better leaders.
I remember a night during our senior seminar where we all shared our goals and dreams. It is in those moments when I am really just in awe of the women we are and aspire to be (unashamedly fangirling). Hearing my cohort passionately speak about what drives them, inspires me to do the same and to know that no dream is ever unreachable. I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow and become the best versions of ourselves, and change the world we exist in. I am grateful to be a part of this dynamic community and I hope future generations of Baldwins feel the same.
Since graduating from Duke, I have completed my Masters in Public Health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health with a focus in Health Policy & Management and Global Health. Even though I am still very interested in the medical profession, my irritation with the system led me to learn more about the policies and practices that make it function, or lack thereof. I am very interested in using policy reform to improve health equity and outcomes for maternal and child health particularly among minorities and other vulnerable populations. During my program I also completed a six-month practicum in Ghana working as research analyst to assist the national scale up of a community-based primary health care initiative (CHPS+). I hope to continue to add to my international experience throughout my career, advocating for sustainable change and utilizing the leadership skills I have learned to be a force in my field.