As an aspiring public health professional passionate about population mental health and well-being, addiction prevention and recovery, and community-based work, I want to connect and learn from others on similar career paths. I will finish my MPH at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, specializing in Health Behavior, although I did not fit into the “traditional student” mold.Through my experiences with alcohol and substance use disorders, eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and infertility, I developed a passion for primary prevention, helping others navigate recovery and health promotion. Sobriety, writing, and speaking about mental health have not only given me the strength and perseverance to begin a new career path in the field of public health but also raise awareness and decrease stigma. I’m excited to be on this journey, and I must remind myself that what I’m showing my children is true- it’s never too late to follow your heart!Furthermore, I’m a spouse of an active-duty military service member, which, unfortunately, may be a concern for potential employers. However, over the past thirteen years, this lifestyle has enabled me to live in diverse communities across the world and has instilled adaptability, resiliency, and independence. Although it can definitely be discouraging at times, I value this aspect of my life and the positive experiences and skills it has added to it! On a different note, I enjoy being with my family, traveling (but I’m also very much a homebody!), writing, being outdoors, running, sunny & warm weather, a cup of tea & a good book, naps, wildflowers along country roads, and the Chicago Cubs. I’d love to connect with you!