The Journey Continues...

A picture taken by my son on our Hawaiian vacation before the start of school.


It’s my last semester in the Master’s Program in Public Health at USC and I feel the need to revive my blog. This will serve as my journal and countdown to the end of my experiences in the Global Health Leadership track.

It’s hard to believe that I started the program one year ago. The year has passed very quickly, but not without much sacrifice, challenges and pain. I have learned so much and am so grateful for the learning opportunities that I have had. I know that my learning will not end at the close of the semester. And, that’s really the exciting part. I know that I have so much to learn in my quest to help improve the health of disadvantaged populations around the world – it will be an exciting journey!

Creativity: A Prerequisite for Addressing Global Health Issues

Last night's class on Environment, Sustainability and Global Health left me with the same feeling that I leave with on most nights: "There's so much to do and only one me!" Thankfully, I have some pretty awesome classmates who will add to the workforce of professionals who are also dedicated to making a difference in global health.

However, even with that knowledge, often I have a heavy heart regarding the health and well-being of our global neighbors, especially the poor and disenfranchised. I want to speak for those who have no voice, bring clean water and food to those who go without, and empower women and girls so that they may have the tools to improve the lives of their families and communities.

I received an email from a friend this morning and it inspired me to shift my paradigm. I know that I can't do it alone, but instead of having a heavy heart about it, I can creatively unite with others to make a difference.

Here's the email text:

Be Creative

Creativity is not reserved just for those who engage in artistic pursuits. In every life, in every situation, there are opportunities to be creative.

Being creative means acknowledging that there are many possibilities beyond the obvious. Being creative means having the courage to consider doing things in a way that's different than the way they've always been done.

Creativity gives you the ability to solve multiple problems with a single course of action. Creativity transforms weakness into strength, and builds value where there was none before.

Imagine the possibility of a connection between things that don't appear to be connected, and creativity will start to take hold. Look at life from a new perspective, and it will further nourish your creativity.

Creativity refuses to accept limits. And as such, with sufficient creativity you can move beyond any obstacle.

There is always room for improvement, and there is always a place for beauty, for achievement, for fulfillment. Be creative, and you'll continue to add richness to life (and might I add:) and change the world.

Introducting Me...

One of my new found friends and me in Ghana.