Lasting Takeaways and Reflections
A lasting takeaway I had from the program was defining my personal strengths and how I can best use those in my career in One Health. I was able to better appreciate and affirm why the One Health approach resonates so strongly with me- because it matches with my personal values of inclusion, holistic thinking, and acting for the greater good. I was also able to expand my viewpoints topics that I have not previously studied including environmental justice, immigrant farmworker wellbeing, and human-ecological interactions. I had not visited central California before this program and was able to get a first-hand perspective on some of the challenges including immigrant worker health and the lasting effects of the wildfires. These issues are prevalent in communities not only in California, but nationwide. I really appreciate the intersectionality that One Health is now integrating and must continue to take on - including being mindful of social justice issues and diversity, equity, and inclusion. During my time I reflected a lot on what my place is in One Health, what my blind spots were, and what I can do to ensure I am prepared to be a leader in this ever growing and evolving field going forward. At times it was overwhelming being able to delve into complex these topics daily in the program. The passion of our guest speakers, instructors and fellow students was palpable. A final lasting takeaway is knowing people in many fields of study and backgrounds that I can call on as mentors, friends, colleagues, and conversation partners as we take one these modern One Health challenges going forward.

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