For as long as I’ve been alive, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has been my second home. I was born there, receive my braces from their partner organizations, attended hundreds of physical and occupational therapy appointments, and been treated by the best team of physicians anyone could ever ask for.

And, now, I’m ecstatic to announce that, later this month, I will be continuing my post-secondary journey by becoming a UAB Blazer pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sociology, with a minor in Legal Affairs. This opportunity feels almost surreal, and I’m excited to be the one learning rather than being the one used to learn (by medical students etc.) for a change.

My interest in Medical Sociology seeks to explore and better understand human interactions and the impact of healthcare systems on disabled people. I hope to learn the forms and consequences of human interactions, as well as why social inequalities exist. I seek to explore, through qualitative and quantitative data analysis, how a person’s disabilities or other social factors impact their health and the healthcare they receive, as well as be able to identify how and where policy changes can be implemented to improve quality of life and healthcare access. UAB’s program is heavily research focused, and I’m looking forward to learning not only how to conduct research, but what to do after research is conducted.

In making these discoveries, I hope to build upon and increase my effectiveness both as an advocate and a legal professional. As an advocate, understanding how and why people are impacted by things outside their control, such as their disabilities, will allow me to best support them during times of hardship. As a legal professional, understanding how and why harmful legislation and policy are passed will allow me to craft creative, science-backed opposition to injustices in our world.

I can’t wait to get started.