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Student Essay on the 7th Annual Health Education Advocacy Summit

 

Transformation in Washington, D.C.

 By Sarah M. Humphrey

University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse

 

 “You can make a difference.” As a student, I didn’t feel like I had many opportunities to test this hypothesis until I flew from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C. for the Seventh Annual Health Education Advocacy Summit. When my professor mentioned the Advocacy Summit, I jumped at the opportunity. I had recently become involved with letter writing for other issues and didn’t realize that advocacy held a place within the health education arena. As I thought about it, learning about advocacy within health education provided me with an opportunity to make a difference, should I determine advocacy was something I found valuable to pursue. I arrived at the conference on a Saturday, prepared to expand my knowledge of advocacy. As I carried out my normal people watching, I began to feel out of my league. As one of only two undergraduate students at the Summit, I felt as if I hadn’t accomplished enough to be in the company of such “greatness.” However, as the day progressed, I came to realize that those surrounding me were some of the most friendly people and incredible mentors I could meet; this quickly changed my focus. By Monday afternoon, I felt changed. As I walked through Washington, D.C. in a suit and on a mission, I felt transformed and ready for any challenge in which I could find myself. I felt passionate about what happens in the 108th Congress, and since returning, my mother has commented on how strange it is for her to see me in his role. The weekend provided me with resources, information and, most importantly, personal change. I now know that I can, and am passionate enough, to make a difference. If the opportunity to attend a Health Education Advocacy Summit comes your way, don’t pass it up.

 

Editor’s Note: Sarah is grateful for the support she received to attend the Summit from the Eta Sigma Gamma Beta Phi Chapter and the Health Education and Health Promotion Department (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse).