| Search Chronicle Online | |
May 24, 2010  Jason Koski/University Photography Senior profile: Andrew Delapenha
Major: Human biology, health and society, global health minor Why did you choose Cornell?
As an aspiring health professional, I decided to come to the College of Human Ecology at Cornell because of its focus on improving the human condition. Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?
Working in the Career Exploration Center in Human Ecology, where I've played an integral role helping students identify their career interests and navigating Cornell resources. As the senior career assistant, I've been heavily involved in coordinating the development of new resources and materials meant to aid students in exploring their interests further. We've created a series of internship search guides and a salary negotiation sheet, developed a public health booklet and a unique branding presence to help students identify our office as a resource. I've also organized and run a number of resume, cover letter and internship workshops. It has been extremely rewarding knowing that I have had a hand in assisting others as they prepare for their future career pursuits. While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?
Working for the Learning Strategies Center as an organic chemistry tutor and serving on the executive board for the Association for Students of Color. Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?
Darryl Scott, the director of admissions for Human Ecology, has really helped me to stay grounded. I think more than anything, he has encouraged me to take the time to reflect and understand why I want to do something before jumping into any endeavor. Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?
I started as a pre-med student who was completely unaware of any of the other health professions. However, I became heavily interested in public health in my time at Cornell through classes like Introduction to Global Health. My experience working for a small health policy research firm over the past year has also shown me that there are ways outside of medicine to impact the health and quality of life of others. What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?
Participating in Cornell in Washington. Spending the semester in D.C. was an amazing opportunity that gave me a chance to reflect and solidify my decision to expand my understanding of public health issues. I was able to get hands-on experience in health policy working with L&M Policy Research and composed my own research paper on health care access that I hope to expand in graduate school. Even though I'm from the [D.C.] area, I had never been to the White House, sat in on a Supreme Court session or seen a performance at the Kennedy Center until my semester in Washington. What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Next year I will be working on obtaining a master's in public health with a focus on health policy. Ultimately I would like to practice medicine and serve as an advocate for improved access to health care through policy improvements. |
