My primary goal after completing the practical experience at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. Keeping focus on my studies is how I plan to achieve this goal. Being a single mother, while also being very active in the church can make this very difficult at times; however, I am learning how to keep things in their perspective place. I have learned to stop procrastinating and to complete my assignments before the deadline. I have never been the type to fall behind on my course work, so I do not plan on starting now. I plan to have my practical completed by the end of September, 2022. All courses outside of the practical with be finished by December 9, 2022 with excellent grade averages, and from there I will prepare for my graduation ceremony.

Developing executive presence is another goal I plan on accomplishing. Shadowing my preceptor throughout the practical experience thus far has shown me how to communicate more effectively and with impact. It is important that people are able to be influenced and encouraged through our conversations. Building total confidence within myself is another characteristic of executive presence that I plan on executing. Trusting and believing in myself is vital, and I am putting this into action now. I do not want to hold myself back from any greatness that I am destined for. Another aspect of executive presence is standing firm on my beliefs, while also upholding myself in a disciplined manner. This will all take practice; however, I believe with consistency it will be achieved by the end of the practical experience.

Adding more people to my professional network is also very important to me. Not only at Sentara do I want to accomplish this, but anywhere I go that can increase my experience in the aspect of Public Health. Public Health is such a broad field that I am not narrowed down to a few options for my career path. I can do anything I put my mind to, and having the right people in my corner when I need them will only further advance the position I am in. I regularly communicate with people all around the hospital, even if it’s only for a few minutes so that I can increase my network. Attending networking and industry events are other methods I am engaging in to do this as well. Reaching out to as many people as I possibly can will ensure the professional network increase that I desire.