Program: Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Year in Program: 2
I had been thinking about doing a master’s degree for a while when my 91-year-old grandmother said to me that learning is a lifelong process and it was about time that I went back. She is a formidable woman and she gave me the push I needed to start seriously looking at programs.
When I was considering different master’s programs, someone asked me why I wanted to go back to school. In his opinion, there were two potential reasons to go back: to build on my strengths or to fill in any knowledge gaps. I decided that filling in the gaps was more important, which lead me to the MHA at UBC.
I am working full-time for Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services while completing my MHA. For the past five months, I have been involved in the laboratory response to COVID-19. My work has focused on COVID-19 antibody testing, self-collection of samples for people in remote settings, and procurement of testing supplies.
When COVID-19 became very real for all of us in March, I was redeployed to work as part of the lab response at the BC Centre for Disease Control. I’ve had the opportunity to do some amazing work with wonderfully dedicated people during my reassignment, but one part stands out: working directly with an Indigenous community. The program’s Indigenous Health course is offered in second year and, after this experience, it’s the one course that I am looking forward to most.
What I am hoping for the most (with all fingers and toes crossed) is a return to in-person classes so my cohort can laugh and learn together again.
Physical activity is incredibly important for my personal well-being. It is my stress-relief. COVID-19 forced me to change my routine (less weights, more yoga) but I made sure to keep moving. Getting outside, even if it’s just a short walk, can be the difference between a day that seems manageable versus one that is overwhelming.
Sleep is my second weapon. It doesn’t matter how busy work is or how much schoolwork I need to do. I try and get 7-8 hours of sleep. Sometimes, knowing yourself is half the battle and I know that I don’t function well on minimal sleep.
This is a hard choice. It would be a toss-up between golf or wine “tasting” in our garden. My husband will be very happy that golf made the cut since he’s been slowly converting me the past few years.