Student Spotlight: Hailey Spaeth's Journey into Public Health
Meet Hailey Spaeth
With a deep commitment to public health, Hailey Spaeth's academic journey and aspirations are as vibrant as they are inspiring. Currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Hailey hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her academic path has been rich and diverse, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis laying the groundwork for her current focus on women's, sexual, and reproductive health, with 2023 marking her program entry year. Beyond academics, Hailey harbors a passion for adventure, with hiking the Patagonia Mountain Range in Argentina topping her bucket list.
An Intrigue in Public Health
Public health became a focal point for Hailey through her family's deep roots in the medical field. With both parents and several relatives in medicine, Hailey was naturally drawn to discussions surrounding healthcare systems. Despite her lack of interest in a clinical career, her curiosity was piqued by the healthcare narratives shared at home. Her Ohio high school years fueled a burgeoning frustration with the volatile landscape of policies and the dearth of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, particularly abortion access.
Her commitment to public health was cemented during her freshman year at college, where she involved herself in advocacy for gender-based violence and deep-dived into subjects of gender and adolescent health. Her collegiate experiences ignited a lasting passion for pursuing a public health career.
Why Bloomberg School of Public Health?
For Hailey, choosing a school was about more than just academic prestige—it was about community impact and collaboration. The Bloomberg School's emphasis on integrating its rich history with proactive health improvements in Baltimore resonated with her ideals. She appreciated the school's dedication to working alongside community organizations to uplift the health standards of local citizens.
Another captivating feature of the Bloomberg School for Hailey was the diverse career paths its graduates embarked upon. This multiplicity allowed her, and her peers, to learn from each other's distinct interests and skills, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and experience. This diversity, coupled with the school's community-centric approach, fortified her decision to matriculate.
Joining the Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health
Hailey's journey into the Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health (PFRH) was marked by an inspiring introduction during an accepted students' day event. The faculty's groundbreaking work in contraception and abortion access illuminated her path toward this department. She felt an immediate connection with both the faculty and fellow students, many of whom have become lifelong friends. This camaraderie and shared passion for impactful work secured her choice.
Experiences That Stand Out
Among the cherished memories in the PFRH department, the Back to School Orioles game stands out prominently for Hailey. The event, held during her initial weeks at the department, offered a friendly and open atmosphere perfect for mingling with seasoned students and faculty. This welcoming environment laid the foundation for her positive experiences within the department.
Field Placement: Bridging Theory and Practice
At Hopkins, Hailey’s field placement has been both dynamic and rewarding. As a research assistant for the Monitoring and Action for Gender and Equity (MAGE) project, her team collaborates with the World Bank's Global Finance Facility. Their mission revolves around accumulating health facility assessment data to evaluate maternal and reproductive health outcomes in various low- and middle-income countries.
Additionally, Hailey engages with the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) project within the Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. Collaborating with Carolina Cardona, she examines the adoption and discontinuation trends of contraception post the 2019-2020 family planning policy implementations in Burkina Faso. These projects offer Hailey invaluable practical insights, aligning with her academic interests and career ambitions.
Future Aspirations Post-Graduation
Hailey's post-graduation vision centers on impactful research in the sexual and reproductive health domain. She aspires to contribute to studies that not only explore access and barriers but also offer actionable insights for policymakers and advocacy groups in reproductive justice. This commitment to actionable research underscores her dedication to shaping a more equitable healthcare landscape.
Life in Baltimore: Home Sweet Home
Living in Baltimore's Patterson Park neighborhood has been a delightful experience for Hailey. The community's charm lies in its vibrant atmosphere, dotted with green spaces and friendly neighbors. The local culture, coupled with accessible running paths and community gardens, has made her residence enjoyable and enriching.
The friendly neighborhood atmosphere was palpable when a neighbor brought her and her roommate local cakes as a housewarming gesture. Hailey also appreciates Baltimore's culinary scene, frequenting local gems such as Moo Moo Cows and Taharka Bros for ice cream, Ovenbird for coffee and bread, and Ministry of Brewing for enjoying drinks.
Advice for Prospective PFRH Students
For those considering joining the PFRH community, Hailey shares wisdom born from experience: immerse yourself in the department's vibrant ecosystem. Seize opportunities to connect with peers, attend seminars, and participate in social events. She emphasizes the importance of embracing support from classmates, friends, and faculty, recognizing the department's overarching ethos of collaboration and empathy. Her experience reflects a thriving community eager to nurture student success.
Hailey Spaeth's path through the Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals her as an embodiment of ambition fused with community-focused intentions. Her journey, defined by a passion for public health, a commitment to academic and personal growth, and a deep appreciation for communal involvement, is nothing short of inspiring.
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