Costa Nz. Ndayisabye
Re: Personal Statement supporting my application to Concordia Master of Public Health Online Degree at Concordia University
My interest in health care dates back to 1995 when my country, Rwanda, lost many of its skilled health care personnel, who were killed or fled the country due to the 1994 Tutsi Genocide. This loss was especially difficult because the need for health care was never higher and it was important to respond to hundreds of thousands of genocide survivors and prisoners. Even simple processes such as boiling water, washing hands after using the toilet, and keeping latrines covered were not common practices at all.
Out of this experience, I set a goal for myself to pursue an academic career with a research emphasis on preventive care, due to the benefit on long-term health. Unfortunately, I was unable to achieve this goal as attending health care school is a privilege that not everyone can afford. Instead I completed coursework in business and administration.
After moving to the United States in early 2010, I noticed many ways my business and administration skills could actually complement my aspirations in health care.
As a goal-oriented person, I enjoy the sense of fulfillment that is achieved through health assessment, taking action to correct a potential problem, and then observing the outcomes. A sense of achievement and self-satisfaction has always been my reward. While I am focused and goal-oriented, I also value having an open mind in my academic life.
Further study in the field health care will provide me with a deeper understanding of health care activities emplacement and systematic cost allocation. Furthermore, it will equip me with a more detailed understanding of the multi-step processes directly applied to research in the field of health care, such as prevention and treatment.
In response to my desire to gain more knowledge about a career as a health care professional, I was trained and certified in a variety of related fields, such as Personal Support Specialist, Certified Residential Medication Aide, Direct Support Professional, and Adult Care. I also took some graduate courses. I have been working as caregiver and Residential Medication Aide for 3 years for people with cognitive disabilities and those with muscular dystrophy.
Last but not least, I want to express that it was my commitment to find a school that could satisfy my needs that led me to Concordia University Nebraska. The reputation of excellence this institution offers is highly appealing to me. I believe Concordia University can provide me with the skills I hope to eventually apply in improving health care systems, particularly in the field of preventative care. It is my desire to contribute to eliminating some of the disparities that prevent people from receiving optimum health care. I hope that I will be given the opportunity to positively impact the health of vulnerable communities, as well as many disadvantaged people across the globe.
