The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is proud to share that Felicia Davenport, an outstanding student in the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) Public Health Science degree program at USG, was the commencement speaker at the School of Public Health’s graduation ceremony at the College Park campus on May 22, 2014.
We sat down with Davenport for a Q & A session to discuss her time at USG and her career plans:
Q: Why did you choose the Public Health Science program at USG?
A: I began my studies on main campus in UMCP’s Community Health program, but changed course after I took several elective public health courses. I was looking for elective courses and saw that global health and public health policy courses were offered to students at the USG campus. I asked the director of the program for permission to take the courses, and I really enjoyed the layout and content of the public health classes. While taking those initial classes, I spoke with my classmates about the program and met with the director and, after looking over all the opportunities the program offered, I made the decision to switch. UMCP’s Public Health Science Program offered at USG allowed me to take the courses and get the training I felt most aligned with my ultimate career goals. Additionally, I also appreciated that the professors were professionals in the field, which gave me a broad spectrum of support and mentorship.
Q: Briefly describe your experience as a student in the University of Maryland, College Park’s Public Health Science program at USG?
A: My experience as a student in the UMCP Public Health Science program at USG was a truly special one. I received an amazing education and training on the subject matters that I am most passionate about. I met amazing people with such desire to impact and help the world. I received so much motivation from my peers. The professors offered great courses that challenged us, and they also offered support and guidance for our time in the program and beyond.
Q: How has USG helped you during your time as a student?
A: I have gained some of my truest friends and built relationships with amazing professionals during my time at USG. For instance, I experienced financial hardship and had to withdraw from school for a semester. The amount of support I received during that time was amazing. The program was led by passionate leaders who were very much as invested in my successful completion of the program as I was. I took an extremely heavy course load while working full-time and experienced a family death during my final semester, but my classmates and professors were more than accommodating.
Q: Describe some professional opportunities USG has helped facilitate.
A: The Public Health Science program at USG helped me to develop my public health experience. During my time in the program, I held a policy and advocacy internship for The Women's Collective. The program has also granted me access to my current internship with The Circle of Rights, Inc. which is an organization that aims to educate people about stroke prevention and many other health topics. My professors were also professionals in the field of public health, which created an extremely enriching learning experience.
Q: What do you plan on doing after graduation?
A: I plan on working and interning over the next year to gain more public health experience. I will be looking to start a Masters of Public Health program next fall.