Miranda Aman

I continued my education at WVU because I felt it was a place where I could continue to thrive ... West Virginia is my home, and I want my home to thrive, not just survive.

What does public health mean to you?

Public Health is the umbrella communication in almost all aspects of life. We are the non-profit organizers, the health department, and researchers; we are the voice of the community that cannot speak for itself. Public Health aims to bring equity to all individuals no matter their social, economic, or cultural standing. How we achieve this is both endless and always evolving.

Why did you choose WVU as the place to continue your public health education?

I continued my education at WVU because I felt it was a place where I could continue to thrive. I got into multiple graduate programs, yet West Virginia is my home, and I want my home to thrive not just survive. Alongside that, going into a new area by yourself and getting a fresh clean state sounds magical, but you must be a student while also rebuilding your foundation which is overwhelming. Take advantage of having a community you feel connected to; don’t rush off too fast.

Have any of your professors influenced you in a unique way? 

Ruchi Bhandari and Michael McCawley have continually influenced my education for the better. Both were originally my professors while I was in undergrad, but going into the graduate program here, I had the attention and time to develop actual friendships with each of them.

Both have provided solid stones in my wall of confidence throughout my time in the program. Bhandari reached out to me about a research position she was overseeing; the fact that she remembered me, and genuinely wanted my help was a feeling I was not used to. Similarly, McCawley oversees a field evaluation class that I have taken twice now. Throughout this class, I would feel so proud when McCawley would point out a good suggestion I had. His patience for his students makes the classroom fade, and we are all just excited to be a part of public health.

You’re ending your academic journey during a unique time in our history. What has been both good and bad about studying public health and completing your degree during a pandemic?

With the majority of my graduate degree being completed online, I was able to dedicate a lot of time to my classes. I also have [my dog] Leroy at home, who loved having me there all the time. I also worked from home; always being home saved me a lot of money.

However, it was difficult to find my place in this new program and make real connections with people in my classes. I loved the freedom I had with online classes, but I wouldn’t trade that for being isolated ever again.

Tell us about your field placement experience.

I worked with the WV Department of Human and Health Resources (DHHR) in the Environmental Health Sciences Office. Also online, we decided that I would primarily do self-guided research. Through the research, I was able to present a draft study proposal on environmental dioxin and complete an updated literature review on ethylene oxide. I truly learned self-motivation during this time. There were no real due dates or set times I was supposed to be working on my capstone, it was entirely on me to be organized and motivated. Through working with the WV DHHR, my respect for the process and time that goes into developing any policy or finalizing any decisions grew exponentially.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have accepted a spot at the University of Pittsburgh to pursue my Ph.D. in Public Health Practice.

What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Public Health?

You will be surprised at how many people genuinely want to help you and see you succeed.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I wish I would have found Public Health my freshman year, but I transferred in my sophomore year. To my freshman mentality, I would tell her to be easier on herself because the transition from high to college is exhausting on every single level. A “C” on a chemistry exam does not mean you are self-sabotaging your life.

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?

It's something I'm extremely proud of. It's being the big sister who shows my two younger siblings that we aren't limited by others and their choices. Especially since I have decided to continue onto my Ph.D., I am filled with pride in how my siblings look at me.

It also means I have grown closer to my mom. Letting me go live out an experience she never had and with no advice to give me, we had to become closer as two adults instead of being entirely dependent on her. We still call at least once a day, she is my everything and my rock, yet now I get to tell her stories she never got to experience or hear about and it has brought a new sense of love and respect into our relationship.

It means not being scared of generational trauma and breaking a pattern I didn’t choose to be born into. It means having control despite the hoops we must jump through and lessons we must teach ourselves through trial and error.

What will you always remember from your time at WVU?

Hearing "Sweet Caroline" for the first time, the WVU version, that is. I was immediately shocked and then looked pretty goofy with a big grin on my face, I’m sure. It’s such a silly simple singing, but the pride, excitement, belonging, and love you feel singing with other students and WVU fans were one of the first moments I knew I made the right choice.

What do you think is the best tradition at WVU?

The marching band’s pregame performance, without a doubt.

Why should someone choose WVU to study public health?

West Virginia is a state that, in my opinion, is overlooked and pushed to the side. Choosing to study public health in such a place gives you the strength to rise from whatever situation you are faced with. West Virginia is a survivor, there are many battles still occurring throughout the state with too many lessons to be learned; take advantage of seeing reality from a new perspective. Learning the pride that the state holds no matter the problems it faces, is awe-inspiring.

What are you looking forward to most after graduation?

Coming back to my first home game as an alum!

Is there something people would be surprised to learn about you?

This past year I started doing MMA and Brazilian Jujutsu for fun and found that I love it.