Interview Hillary Chisholm, Development Associate, Partners In Health

How did you arrive at Partners in Health?

In college, I was an Environmental Studies major, but the
track I followed was called “Global Environment and Social Change.” Over the
course of my studies, I became fascinated with how communities respond to
change, and how we better design policies and programs that benefit more people
and create lasting community bonds. I developed a strong interest in nutrition and
began working for an organic food and juice company immediately after graduation.
While I loved the educational aim of the company and the nutritional focus, I
knew I wanted to be working on the more ‘public’ side of health. So, I applied to
a job at Partners In Health, which is an organization that I had long admired
for its community-based approach to health care, and was ultimately offered a
position!

What is the root of your passion for public health?

Fundamentally, I’m doing this work because I want to devote
my time to creating opportunities and opening doors for others.  While
that involves building successful programs, it also involves breaking down
barriers. Whether that’s access to food, health care, or education, I see
working towards greater public health as my way to contribute to positive
social change and improved lives on a daily basis.

Have you experienced any challenges growing in your
field?

Public Health is a very broad field, and one that requires
professionals with a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds. While I love
that there’s always more to learn, this presents a challenge in terms of
gaining an understanding of a variety of fields and concepts. I always take the
time to read up on things mentioned in readings or meetings that I don’t understand
and constantly make lists of things to investigate in my free time. I’ve
learned that I have a lot to learn about public health, and it’s a challenge
that I’m committed to pursuing.

How do you hope to see your career develop within the
next few years?

I’m really excited about the next few years! I’ll be
starting graduate school in the fall, pursuing a master’s degree in public
health, and am looking forward to not only learning more but also having the
space to explore different ideas and frameworks. I’m also looking forward to
meeting and collaborating with more people in the field.

As a young professional yourself, what words of advice
would you have for soon-to-be graduates?

There’s always more to learn! I would recommend taking
advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, whether that’s a lecture or
simply coffee with a coworker, and making sure to occasionally check in with
yourself to make sure that you’re keeping your passions and interests in mind.
While they might not immediately show up in your everyday work, each experience
is valuable and will only add to the complexity of your thinking and your frame
of reference.  Most importantly, ask questions—of yourself and others,
that can help you to understand different experiences or ways of thinking.