Overseas Deployment Experience

At the outset of my professional career, I had the opportunity to participate in an overseas deployment. During this experience, I contributed to a variety of projects, including supporting the development of a Continuing Education Credit handbook later utilized by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Through this role, I developed key skills in collaboration, communication, and time management.

This experience ultimately led to my hiring as a CDC contractor, where I served as a program Assistant for the President's Malaria Initiative. One of the most impactful moments was working with malaria workers in their villages. Observing how they conduct approaches in the field informed public health strategies, engage directly with families, and adapt their approaches to the needs and realities of their communities. Their commitment, responsiveness, and deep connection to the people they serve reinforced the value of community-based public health efforts.

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Serving in Rwanda as a Program Assistant with the President’s Malaria Initiative was both inspiring and profoundly meaningful. I supported and contributed to program efforts while gaining firsthand insight from local health teams working on the frontlines of malaria prevention and control. 

This experience emphasized the importance of community-centered approaches, strong partnerships, and informed public health strategies. Observing program implementation firsthand deepened my appreciation for coordination and dedication required to achieve meaningful, lasting impact. 

What I will carry forward most is the dedication of the teams I worked with and the impact that well‑structured, collaborative programs can have on improving health outcomes. Visiting community health workers in their villages was especially meaningful. I observed how they conduct malaria diagnosis using rapid diagnostic tests, engage directly with families, and adapt their approaches to the needs and realities of their communities. Their commitment, resourcefulness, and deep connection to the people they serve reinforced the value of community‑based public health efforts.

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Seeing this work up close not only strengthened my appreciation for frontline health systems but also solidified my desire to participate in future overseas deployments. This experience deepened my passion for global health and affirmed my commitment to advancing health equity through programs that are both locally informed and sustainably implemented.

“What I will carry forward most is the dedication of the teams I worked with and the impact that well‑structured, collaborative programs can have on improving health outcomes.”