Makala Carrington is a first year out-of-state Master of Public Health (MPH) student.
What were you doing before you started your degree program at Mason?
Before I started my degree program at Mason, I was at Johns Hopkins University in the Kennedy Krieger Institute Maternal Child Health Careers/Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement - Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP) in Baltimore, MD. I served as a research assistant at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing under Dr. Jackie Campbell and Dr. Joyell Arscott on a women's health and safety intervention study. We performed a statistical analysis using SPSS to explore factors that influence retention and participation rates of immigrant and refugee women in the weWomen Study starting at baseline compared to three months.
How did you hear about Mason, and why did you decide to come here?
Honestly, I heard about Mason through research. I knew what type of culture I was looking for in a university and I appreciated Mason's. A lot of my graduate school research was done at CDC in 2018, so I gained a lot of insight from my colleagues as to what program, environment, and professional development opportunities I needed to be a successful grad student. One of these colleagues really sold me on Mason and is one of the main reasons that I decided to come, Erica Street, whom is now my mentor and close friend.
How do you think an MPH will advance your career?
I believe that an MPH solidifies your interests in public health and shows that you have "mastered" that skill to perform well in the public health workforce. I also believe that a BSPH provides a solid foundation that can also allow you to gain experience straight out of undergrad. Personally, I value education, my trajectory will continue until I obtain a PhD. I believe that any steps taken to advance education should be appreciated, respected, and speak volume to any hiring manager. In my opinion, professionals in public health don't always need an MPH to work in public health, we need everyone to advance health equity for all.
What are words that describe your Mason/CHHS experience so far?
Words that describe my Mason experience so far are: open, diverse, different, supportive, and fast.
What do you think differentiates Mason/CHHS from other colleges or public health programs?
I believe that Mason is unique in a way that I haven't quite mastered yet. The student population seems so focused, mature, busy, and still engaged. I sense that most students who attend Mason know why they came to college, others are passionate about their jobs or involvements, and the staff are just happy to witness it all.
What else should prospective students know about Mason/CHHS?
I believe that prospective students should know that Mason has a lot to offer. As the largest public university in the Virginia Commonwealth system, Mason has a lot to offer. There is always something going on, someone to connect with, an opportunity to seek, etc. CHHS has so many great things in store, there is a very supportive nature within the college that really wants students to succeed. If you're hesitant, tour the campus like I did! Speak with our awesome advisor, Kelly! Don't sell Mason short, it could turn out to be the best decision of your life