Why the sudden change? My MPH journey.

This post is for those who don’t know which direction to go in life, specifically regarding professional development (education and/or career). It’s for those who want hope, and reassurance that it’s ok not to have it all figured out (yet).

I am 31 years old and I still do not have it all figured out yet. Throughout my 20s I focused on many different activities, including journalism/writing, activism (focusing on youth representation in politics, peacebuilding, and women’s rights), and a career in STEM. I was often asked why I was doing ‘too much’ (I have a blog post in drafts about this to be published soon (hopefully!)), and in all honesty, I am a multi-faceted individual. I used to be a big bookworm during my teenage years and developed so many different interests. I am also quite passionate about humanity and the rights of young people, girls, and women. For this reason, I remain an activist at heart, championing the rights of many. However, my post isn’t about my multiple focuses, it’s really about how it is ok to keep figuring things out.

Throughout my figuring-out process (from my 20s until now) I did many different activities because of my interests, and because I still wanted to know what I really wanted to do. Somewhere, in my late 20s, I had this realisation that I wanted to return to school. I wanted to pursue postgraduate studies. I wanted to pursue a doctorate, but not in my field (health and life sciences, and more specifically, Microbiology). At the University of Birmingham, where I studied my Microbiology Master’s in 2016, I had many opportunities to study for a doctorate in my field. But I simply chose not to. Though I finished my Master’s with a Merit, and even had some research published, my heart wasn’t into the concept of studying a science degree that is heavily wet lab-based. This is not to trivialise the importance of lab work, lab work is important, but it just isn’t for me. Instead, I want to deal with people, I want to deal with policy, and I want to actually be part of change.

After researching various options, I was advised to do a Master’s in Public Health to give myself some background knowledge on Public Health. This would also allow me to study topics related to my interests and experience (South Sudan, women/girls, healthcare, etc.).

I was given offers to two great schools (LSHTM and The University of Manchester) and I deferred the year I received an offer. Ultimately I went with the latter school (for various reasons I will not go into right now). It is a choice I do not regret because I am enjoying the University, the course staff, and the course content. On top of that, I am currently achieving distinctions in my studies. I feel I have found the right fit for me; I am on the path where I want to be. However, I am mindful that things can change along the way, and that is absolutely ok.

So, for those not knowing which path to take in life, for those who think they must have it all by a certain age, realise and accept that life is a journey. You will experience different interests, triggers and opportunities. And that is absolutely ok.