Student SPHere 2008-09

Oh wow, I still can’t get over the fact that a week ago I was in India! Soaking up the sun (as opposed to this snow in my shoes), showing some skin (as opposed to bundling up with scarves, hats and jackets) eating some pretty sizzling food

and riding in rickshaws (that are something like a cross between a motorcycle and a lawn mower) and LOVING it!!!

India was everything I never thought it would be—it was BETTER! It took about 3 days to get to India; I left Minneapolis on Friday and got to Bangalore on Sunday morning after flying through Amsterdam and Mumbai. Spent the rest of that day sleeping off the severe jetlag. Then it was on to the start of an India adventure!

We had class all week from Monday to Friday in which professors from India and the US lectured about Globalization and its effects on public health in India. This has got me thinking quite a bit about population size and its effects on health. India is set to have the largest population in the world by the year 2050 averaging 2 billion people. This will account for a fifth of the population of the whole world! Currently the India hosts the second largest population in the world with 1.2 billion people. This large population size comes with a host of public health problems including; overpopulation in slums for lack of affordable housing, environmental pollution from the fumes of an ever growing number of vehicles and from improper garbage and sewage disposal,

lack of affordable transportation in poor neighborhoods, lack of employment, infrastructural issues, and lack of urban planning especially in slum areas among other issues. The very rich and the very poor live in urban areas, with the poorest of the poor suffering the most in this cosmopolitan setting. The consensus is that there is no easy “magic pill” answer to India’s public health issues but it is clear that dedicated leadership with a public health agenda will likely begin to solve these issues.

Before I knew it, it was Friday—fun times!
We visited the most beautiful temples

and palaces.

Took pictures at the Gateway to India in Mumbai,

climbed 620 steps to see the biggest statue made out of a single piece of rock in the world,

saw colorful market places

and fabric stores.

I met Ghandi

and Helen even bought a Saari!

Goofed off

And ofcourse, all this activity left many exhausted.

And then I had to say goodnight and goodbye to India—Im gonna miss it so!

Posted at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Wow!
Where do i begin?! Its been a crazy couple of weeks since I got back from my mother's funeral in Ghana.
I had a million assignments to catch up with and ofcourse all the homework that was due when I got back. Ofcourse I was jetlagged, and I may have picked up a GI bug because i had the WORST abdominal pain ever!
But now all of that is over with and im leaving for India tomorrow!
I probably should explain that im going to India for the Global Public Health Institute for about a week and 3 days(over spring break).
Im really excited and I cant wait to share pictures with you! The theme for this year's trip is "globalization and health"... I think this is a salient topic and its even more exciting that this is happening in India because with their growing population and changing disease epidemiology, I think it will be a great cross cultural experience.
Now if I could just pack everything I need before tomorrow(I have a habit of forgetting stuff), ill be set to go.
This time I made a list, with the help of three others (Stephanie at career services, Imee and Liz who are going to India with me). I thought I would share my list with all ye globe trotters in case you are planning a trip soon and have no idea what to take.

CAUTION: This list is designed for 100degree kind of weather!

Clothes

* pants
* shorts/ capris
* tank tops
* cotton t shirts
* jeans
* t-shirts [yellow
* dresses?
* scarves?
* swim suit?
* a light sweater(for layering when if it gets cold)
* hat
* pj's
* underwear
* socks
Shoes

* Nicer flip flops
* shower flip flops
* sneakers
Toiletries

* Shampoo/Conditioner
* meds(anti malerial, allergy medicine, eye drops, tylenol/advil[for jetlag] PM, pain meds)
* Hand sanitizer
* Wipes
* Tissue
* Chewing Gum
* Tooth Paste
* Face lotion/body lotion
* Baby powder
Linens

* Quick dry towel
* Bed sheet
* Pillowcase
Luggage

* purse
* backpack
* suitcase
Electronics

* Alarm clock
* iPod
* iPod charger
* converter
* flashlight
* pocket calculator
* camera
* Video camera?
* Computer?

Misc

* Cliff bars, cookies, saltine crackers, etc
* Hydration packets
* Water bottle
* Sunglasses
* notepad
* pens/highlighter
* Wheat thins
* Powdered Milk
* Cereal

Hopefully this is helpful. Here's to a great spring break for everyone!!!

Posted at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Wow! In one day my life turned upside down!
My mom passed away on the 24th of January, two days shy of her 50th birthday. Having been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer less than a month before she passed away... there wasn't much anyone could do.

I have have a mix of emotions right now. Everyday is a conquered battle...
I am glad that I could pass/fail some of my classes because I am going to be gone for the funeral for 2 weeks and am missing alot of classes. My professors have been so supportive; offering extensions and giving me time to find my balance. The last few days have been a a whirlwind of planning: No sooner did I comprehend the news that my mom was gone, than I had to plan my trip back home to Ghana for her funeral.
I have had to plan the funeral, write a tribute, get anti malarial drugs, get homework done ahead of time, write thank you notes to all who have shown support, and plan for everything that goes into a trip abroad. Needless to say I am very stressed, I have lost 5 pounds in a week, have lost alot of sleep, am losing hair and fight with my self everyday to not cry. Everything that should have originally taken an hour or two now takes 3 days.

I did get my mom's tribute done and would like to share it with you. She was a kindergarten teacher with a masters degree in English... Needless to say, she loved kids...

There is one word to describe you mama—passionate. This is how you approached your life, your family and your work; with a determination and perseverance that can only be admired. And so in celebrating Valentine’s Day, I celebrate your love and your life.

They say a child is a reflection of their parents' care and devotion. You were spunky, dynamic, VERY organized, had a sweet spirit and were never afraid to call a spade a spade. Yours are some pretty big shoes to fill and in your absence, I hope that I can represent you well. I love you mama

Posted at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I cant say that my break was too interesting but I did survive two accidents, a bitter winter, studying and having to work through the break. Now school has started and Im back on my grind.
I have 5 months to defend my thesis, finish my coursework, find a job and apply for medical school. If you think that sounds overwhelming, it is probably because it is!
My social life has pretty much gone down the drain and I am clocking in alot of hours doing job app, work and studying stuff. But looking on the bright side... it will all be over soon. The question I keep asking myself is "then what?"

Now since I dont have any special premonition powers, I suppose we will just have to stick to what I do know.
I am planning a discussion about diversity for next Wednesday, the 28th.
I will be screening the 2004 Oscar-award winning film, Crash and the discussion will follow soon after. This is my way of introducing students to the new technological and aesthetic updates in the student SPHere lounge(of which I have been actively involved for a year now and am ABSOLUTELY proud of) and to encourage community among the SPH faculty, staff and students. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. in the student SPHere and I will be providing snacks... I wont get too fancy, but lets just say, you SHOULD come if not for the food, for the community!
I will post pictures soon after, but I am really looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Here's to a great semester for everyone! And if you are planning on applying to the School of Public health or have already applied, great CHOICE and good luck!

Posted at 9:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So… Where did we leave off? … I think the last time I said anything I was bracing myself for finals and ready for a break.

Well, finals are over and I have somewhat of a break. I still have to work but because I don’t have classes I don’t have to do it everyday. For now, Im working on finding a job and getting into med school. What can I say, the holiday season is not the same without family. But because all of mine are in Ghana, I have to deal with the worst of the Minnesota weather. I cant say that it is all bad because I do happen to like my solitude at times.

I am not sure how many of you made it out to the AHC Multicultural society event on 12/12/08 but “A healing touch�? was a success and I want to say a huge thanx to those that made it out. For all of you that have NO idea what im talking about, we hosted a stress buster on that Friday where there was free food and free 10 minute chair massages. It was a great event and I must say, those massages were divine. Hopefully, we can have it again next year.

D and Achana having the time of their lives

Meet the women of the AHC multicultural society

Lately, I find time to go to the mall(gosh its crazy over the holidays), hang out with friends, bake, volunteer at the PNC, work on my masters project and finally READ!

Brit holding up the cake we made on the weekend(dont worry we were gonna put it in the oven)

Posted at 1:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow! I cant believe it… I have one more week and this semester is over. I should apologize for being silent for almost a month. As you can imagine it has been quite the crazy whirlwind of a semester. I have had papers and tests to take like most everyone else but having to go to work, volunteer at the PNC, prepare my masters proposal and plan an event for the AHC multicultural society kinda had me in overdrive.

Now that I can breathe again, I have 3 presentations, 2 quizzes, a fact sheet, 3 papers and tons of discussion/reaction pieces behind me (within the last 2 weeks). Of course I still have a “working in global health�? exam and a “management�? paper due on Wednesday next week but for now im concentrating on breathing(its been rather hard to do that in the past few weeks).

In fact, I was getting so good at breathing that I volunteered to be Goldy’s assistant at the winter reception yesterday (to make sure he didn’t bump into anything). It was a fun afternoon and even though I hit the sac hard afterwards it was all worth it. I was a little disappointed because I forgot my camera at home but it turns out Melisa(another blogger) had hers and well… here is evidence.

Posted at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I’m overwhelmed right now—in a good way and otherwise. I am SUPER excited that Obama won, I can’t believe I was alive when history was made. I feel a lot of different emotions all in one. I just got back from the APHA (American Public Health Association) conference on early Thursday morning last week. I barely slept before I had to be at work and in class. My sister came to visit me for the Halloween weekend which was awesome (she lives in Delaware) but it was a sour apple because I had to do homework in the midst of trying to spend time with her. Needless to say, I am running on a lot of coffee and less than adequate sleep.

Lately, homework has been a never ending bad dream. I get through one bad spell and there are 3 more waiting. I suppose it is my fault for signing up so many classes in addition to my other commitments. I find that I am worried about what job I will have when I graduate, but I do not have time to follow up on that. I worry that I will not graduate on time because my master’s project will take longer than expected, but there are not enough hours in the day to get it all done. It is unfortunate that I barely have time to socialize, but there is not much I can do about that situation. In a nutshell, It is getting closer to finals week and like most crazed students at this time of the year, I am stressed out. But I continue to take it one day at a time. At some point, I imagine it will all be over, and ironically I will be looking forward to be back in school. For now, here are some pictures from APHA and some from this weekend.

The team at finally gets a break at the APHA

Sumaiya and me at Goldy's Gameroom in Coffman

My roomie(Dri) going "trick or treating"... we were our FABULOUS selves that night

Big sis bowling for the first time

Posted at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Oh ma gosh! Is it the weekend already? My days seem to be running together. I don’t remember when I sleep let alone when I make it to class. I have assignments due left and right that before I turn in one, I’m thinking bout the next thing I have to do.
I did find time to get some roast duck soup today though! There is a delightful little Vietnamese place called the Lotus on Washington Ave. Its great to be able to walk two feet and find something to eat. Sometimes at three in the morning! And remember that you WILL be craving pizza at the oddest hours!
Now that my belly is full, I am applying for jobs, writing a paper on community organizing(mind you, I have not the slightest clue what to say… paper blank apart for my bullet headings!), and working on responding to my class discussion for an online reproductive health class. In short, I am a jack of all trades and highly a master of none right now. Fighting to keep my eyes open, but not so much because I’m tired but because my eyes get fatigued quickly.
Speaking of my eyes, I had an eye appointment a few days ago. They did the most curious thing—they dilated my eyes! The doctor wanted to check for glaucoma and any other eye complications I could have. Sounds great enuf except that for three hours after that I my vision was blurry! I ordered chicken parmesan from the Noodle Company and they gave me grilled chicken. Ordinarily, I would have caught this error BEFORE I put it in my mouth, but NO. I bit into the chicken and thought, “hmmm, this doesn’t taste right�?. And then, after three chews, it suddenly occurred to me “Ah! Its grilled chicken!�?. Needless to say, its amazing how we take our senses for granted. I was VERY grateful when I could finally see my keypad enough to text my older sister. But, the reason I brought up the eye clinic is that it is a great resource for students that I had NO idea about. They offer free eye checkups ( provided you pay your student services fee… aha! I paying that for SOMETHING) and frames and lenses at subsidized prices. I know my vision was blurry but they did have some very stylish glasses for cheap. And catch this… they even have a clearance section. This really tickled me when I saw that. My point is, that advantage of the services Boynton has to offer. Did you know they offer free massages too???
Ok, so clearly I’m procrastinating again. I think I better get back to my three word documents. Wish me luck. And just in case you are wondering why I am getting all my work done at once... I am in San Diego for the APHA annual conference

Posted at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have to admit, finding the balance is hard. When you have a job, school, homework and everything else in between that is commonly referred to as a social life…its hard! And the thing is, I can’t really complain because I don’t even have any kids! So a standing ovation for all public health students, NO students in general who have children and jobs and go to school full time- you are AMAZING! And ESPECIALLY if you are a woman at the same time, an ESPECIALLY long ovation for you.

Ok, so now that that has been accomplished, you should know that I have been swamped! The last two weeks have been filled with quizzes, 3 papers and a midterm. And not to mention my first day at the PNC (awesomeness by the way!), a career fair and a Christian convention (I sing). So yea as you can imagine my days have been filled with reading for assignments, writing, re writing, occasionally getting crazy on my roommates, looking a mess and I daresay forgetting to breathe! Of course, the rest of my life continued as usual, and I still showed up for work, although this past Monday I had to beg on my bosses compassion to let me stay home and finish up a quiz for my reproductive health class. Sometimes, the balancing act I call my life sways dangerously but I am proud to say I am a pretty good acrobat.

So two things stood out to me in all the madness and they both happened this week—being a clerk at the PNC and a midterm I took last night.
Monday was my first day as a volunteer as at the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic. This night I was training in as a clerk which is going to be one of my duties as a volunteer. What a clerk does basically is to organize teams to see each patient and manage the flow of teams between consulting rooms. Now considering that there are only three consulting rooms, a spare room—the “red room�? (where patient vitals can be taken) and another room for physical therapy, you can imagine that there was a significant amount of juggling going on. Also, there are only so many clinicians, pharm care volunteers and preceptors so the pressure was on. For my first day, I give myself a pat on the back for not folding under the pressure but I must admit there were times when I felt as if I was in the middle of a jungle and it was my job to keep order! But I got through the night, reported at 430PM and did not leave till 1045PM. Needless to say, I was snoring as soon as my feet touched my bed.

Now yesterday was the worst night of my life! For those of you who have taken Working in Global Health, you may know what I mean. I have only once back in college, had multiple, multiple choice exams in which you have a list of options and any number of them could be correct! The nerve wracking this about it was that we not only needed to know everything there was to know from the beginning of the term till now, but then being used to only one correct answer in multiple choice, you had to think twice even though you may already have one correct answer. It was a hectic 25 questions and in 30 minutes I had bitten my finger nails off and I stopped biting my nails years ago! Oh well, now we wait. I(and you) will know how I did in 2 weeks.

Assuming that someone is reading this, any suggestions on classes to take in global health? I have a 3 credit elective to take and I am shopping around for potential spring courses that have a global health focus. I would love to hear from you!!! d.

Posted at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week I had some very good news! A picture I took a few years ago was displayed as the photo of the week for the Association of Schools of Public Health’s weekly electronic newsletter. This picture was described by my major chair as “beautiful and heartbreaking�? and I think that it is exactly that.

I took the picture in Ghana, West Africa while I was on an experiential learning experience with http://www.reachthechildren.org/about/Reach the Children Foundation (a non profit organization based in Utah).
I was intrigued by this little girl carrying a baby not because it is an uncommon sight but more because the little girl was actually the mother of the 9 month old baby. As it turned out, the baby was the result of an indiscretion by a relative when the girl was only 11 years old. Being in a society that frowns on abortion, the girl invariably had to have the baby. After talking with this seemingly mature little girl, I couldn’t help but want a picture—a picture that has stayed in my consciousness for years after I took it. This little girl is the reason I am pursuing a maternal and child health degree with a focus on global reproductive health. I believe that situations like this can be avoided and I hope that I can contribute to making that happen as a public health professional and beyond.
After having this picture in the http://fridayletter.asph.org/press.cfm?FL_Index=1537">Friday letter, I have had many great reviews and the thing that excites me the most about it is that this picture has generated conversation. I think that getting people to think about real global health issues is great and if this picture has the potential to do that, then why not post it on my blog?
I know there are others out there like me that care about global reproductive health issues and I am hoping that this post will be a forum to get people thinking about Maternal and Child Health. And yes, even if you are a male reading this, this goes for you too. My maternal and child health classes are dominated by women such as myself and I am longing for the day when more men will be interested in so called “women’s issues�? as passionately as we are. That being said… please start this conversation with your friends. “What can we do to address reproductive health issues such as this one while remaining culturally sensitive… ?�?

Posted at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Wow! Yesterday, I completed the longest trip ever! I was in LA recruiting at the Idealist fair on Wednesday but the fair itself was not as eventful as the trip getting there…

I left Minneapolis at 11AM central time, I was flying through Phoenix and did not get there till 3PM Central time. Phoenix by the way is a beautiful place! I have never been to a desert area before and the culture embedded in their art is beautiful! The people were friendly and welcoming and even though it was 110 degrees, I found myself thinking that this was a place I would like to visit again. In an hour, I was on another plane to L.A, this time arriving at 5PM Central time.

I took a cab from the airport to the Sheraton ballroom which is where the fair was to take place. It was a 20 minute. ride which cost me $60. Yes, did I mention that it is as expensive as it is beautiful? The drivers there are crazy though! The speed limit was 55mph, like most places, but everyone was driving at a minimum of 80! I really did think I was going to die with the wind zipping through my hair(the taxi driver did not believe in A.C) and I remember thinking “gosh! If I die who will know it? I am in a strange town and no one knows I am in this taxi!�? As you can imagine, I made it alive and in the process, I saw the most beautiful view of sky scrapers, palm trees and buildings for miles! As beautiful as it was though, I could not help thinking about canned tuna. The buildings were so closely placed together that it felt a bit claustrophobic. Beautiful from a distance, but quite a disappointment up close—And no offense to anyone that loves L.A.

The Idealist fair itself was a huge success; I talked to a number of people that were interested in the school of public health. There were over 500 people there and I did not stop talking the whole time.I even had to explain to an interpreter what the school of public health was all about because I do not know any sign language and one girl interested in the school was deaf. It was quite the experience having to explain something to two people in essence, because without having the interpreter understand what I meant, then my message would be lost in transition. I think I did a pretty good job and they both seemed enthusiastic about the school, so fingers crossed.
By 10PM central time, the fair was over and I was trying to make my way back to the airport. Through security and then again at a boarding gate. This time bound for Chicago. The plane didn’t leave till 1AM central time and I didn’t get to Chicago till 5AM central time. Then it was time for a nutritious breakfast(i.e. a Mc Donalds sausage and egg combo), and a 1 hour attempt at editing a paper that was due that morning in class. By 7AM we had all boarded the plane. But we did not leave till 8 because we had to fill the plane with gas and there were some technical difficulties with the computer that ran the flight.

By this time I was thinking literally like Dorothy from Kansas, what a dream! And there is NO place like home! The rest of my day on Thursday went by like a whirlwind. I left Minneapolis/Saint Paul International airport around 930AM, got to work around 1020AM. Left for class at like 11AM and turned in that paper, went back to work at 1230PM and did not leave till 4PM. At which time, I was feeling ambitious and decided to make lasagna. I crawled into bed around 630PM and slept till I was woken around 1030PM by my roommate wanting to know all about my trip. At midnight it was bedtime again and the cycle continues…

P.S. I have to add that i do apologize for having to rely on your imaginations... I forgot my camera.

Posted at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I figured it was about time y’all heard from me again…

It was early Sunday evening, and ideally I would be sleeping or watching TV, or better yet out with some friends. But I was scrambling to get my readings done yesterday (i.e. I have a test today and I know nothing enough to pass it). So yea, remember how I told you I sometimes procrastinate? Well this time it is biting my butt because it turns out I read the wrong chapters! So this time I am really under pressure to read the RIGHT chapters!

Either way, I think my blog is a good way to procrastinate yet again. I am excited! I found out on Friday that I got into the PNC. For those that have NO idea what I am talking about… The Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is a student ran free clinic in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Minneapolis area. It is a volunteer based clinic made up of students from the medical school, school of nursing, social work, public health, physical therapy, and pharmacy. I may be missing one school but you get the general idea. We work together to provide care to an underserved population in the Phillips Neighborhood. I am very excited to work with students from other health related disciplines and also because I get to interact with the primarily Latino population patronizing this clinic. Even more exciting is that my master’s project is based on an aspect of the PNC. I won’t give it away just yet though so stay tuned!

Also, yesterday was my little sister’s birthday, she turned 15. I miss her so much!!!! She lives in Ghana with my mom and dad. I couldn’t resist putting up a picture… or two of her. Isn’t she is adorable!!!????

Posted at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here i am yet again in a cafe-Starbucks to be exact. Philly is very interesting, a runway for ALL walks of life. Totally loving it! Well, not more than Minnesota of course! I am waiting for the idealist fair to start in a few hours. Trying to do my homework for class tomorrow( did i mention i am a total procrastinator when the mood besets me???). Ok so before i start getting side tracked again let me post what i had written yesterday. Did i mention that MSP charges almost $10 to use the internet? Way to make money! Here goes:

So, I am sitting at a café in the Saint Paul/Minneapolis Lindberg terminal… I just missed my flite and the next one leaves at 1PM. So being that it is 10AM right now, what better time to sit and introduce myself to you. I do realize that I am starting out a little late in the game, but considering that nothing spectacular has happened in my life till this point, its not a big deal right?

For the benefit of those that did not see my summer blog. My name is Dinah Djidjeme Dafeamekpor. I am an international student from Ghana(west Africa). Although my mother is Ukrainian, I was raised in Ghana so I identify more with my father’s Ghanaian roots than with my mother. Side note—I am excited about graduating in May next year because if everything works(fingers crossed) I will be going to Ukraine for the first time to see my grandfather who I have never met. And of course since I will be ALL the way in Europe, did I hear you say “why not go backpacking through Germany, Sweeden, Italy, Switzerland and England?�?. Good job! Because that is exactly what my roommates and I plan to do after I done with my bonding experience. Fun!

Did I mention that the airport is actually a pretty cool place to study? I suppose I should come here more often to study! I feel like a French madame, sitting here drinking my chamomile tea waiting for my hot breakfast. I am not sure if French madams use laptops but I still feel like one anyways. So back to introducing myself.

By the time I was 3 ½ years old, my family was living in a non profit orphan establishment, SOS Children’s Village in Tema a suburb of Ghana. As a result, I had an early awareness of the concept of community and public service. Once I was done with high school, I was on a plane to Agnes Scott College in Georgia to study pre med and a self designed Bio/Psychology major. In the last few years, I have made my most meaningful contributions to public health; I volunteered at a homeless shelter for battered women; Hagar’s House. I also earned a certified nursing degree at Medix Allied Health School which allowed me to work in a nursing home, a gynecologist’s office and the trauma unit in Atlanta Medical Center. I also traveled back to the Eastern Region of Ghana where I participated in several community based projects with elementary schools, orphanages and auditory and visually impaired individuals. For my field experience this summer, I worked in Mobile, Alabama doing survey research on adolescent risk behavior in one of the lowest income communities in the United States. I learned a lot about the research process and risk behavior patterns associated with poverty.

Ah! Bonjour Madame! Breakfast is served...

Now that I've drank enough Chamomile tea for a lifetime, I must mention that this is my second and hopefully last year as a maternal and child health student at the U of M, School of Public Health. This year I find myself busier than ever. I work with Dr Riley within the Division of Health Policy and Management working on his AHRQ project, I also work with student services under the director of Recruitment, Melvin Monett. This is actually why I happen to be at the airport on the eve of a school night—the Idealist Fair in Philadelphia. As part of my job with student recruitment services, I am representing the school at a career fair tomorrow. It is “sad�? that I will miss one class tomorrow but one has to sacrifice sometimes right? But seriously, I am having to turn in my homework electronically and quite frankly I am lucky that my professor(for principles of public health research), Dr Call allowed me to do this. In a nutshell, I am excited for the school year and fingers crossed I won’t have a hard time finding a job when I graduate. I am looking forward to telling you ALL about my semester good, bad and ugly!

Posted at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)