As my ACHIEVE fellowship year grows to a close, I want to reflect on its highlights and lessons. My visits to Uganda, Ghana, the United States, and Puerto Rico have truly enriched the “global” aspect of my Global Health program. I look back with deep gratitude on the opportunities for learning, sharing my work, networking, and the enjoyable experiences these visits have offered.
A major highlight was recognizing positionality in research by various speakers who integrated their early life experiences, social backgrounds, and identities into their work. These personal narratives, though potentially leaving us vulnerable to judgment, forge connections through shared experiences. I have shared less about myself with audiences than I would like, but now I hope to incorporate more of my personal story into my talks.
Another impactful moment was witnessing the community drive its own research agenda. This was at the St. Louis Public Safety Collaborative meeting that I attended with my mentor, Dr. Marotta. It was inspiring to see the community lead its own initiative, with researchers acting as partners rather than leaders. This approach has been shown to enhance the relevance, impact, and sustainability of research solutions. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to incorporating community-driven methods into my work.
Finally, keeping an open mind to networking opportunities has proved invaluable. When I was invited to the Hispanics-in-Research Capacity 1st Summit on Global Health in Puerto Rico, I was concerned that it might not align with my social science research interests. However, it turned out to be very enriching, fostering new connections, deepening existing ones, and creating potential collaborations.
As I look back on this incredible year, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and insights I’ve gained. I am excited to build on this experience as I continue to contribute to global health through research.