Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellows (Danya in white blouse)
able to develop mentoring relationships, with some of these individuals, that have continued beyond the end of the program. I even had the opportunity to meet CDC Director, Dr. Frieden! While at the CDC, I noticed that there were very few AI/AN employees or students participating in the various internship programs they offer. However, I have noticed this in many of the internship programs I have participated in over the years. There is a huge need for more interest and participation from AI/AN students in federal government internships, such as the one in which I participated. It is crucial that more AI/AN students continue and complete their education, so that they can take advantage of these opportunities to gain experience, develop beneficial mentoring relationships and foster valuable career connections that will improve and enhance AI/AN communities. Personally, I am a firm believer of applying and participating in internship opportunities outside of school. I highly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities, because they provide experiences and knowledge that cannot be fully offered in a class or lab. Many doors of opportunity have opened for me because of my in internship participation. In addition to experience, internships also can serve as a pipeline into the workforce. There is a significant need for more diversity in the workforce, particularly in public health. It should be common to see Native professionals working at higher level national agencies and programs, because the policies and practices of these entities often affect tribes. By increasing the numbers of AI/ AN students participating in federal internships, we are able to strengthen and extend the voices of our people beyond our local communities and reservations. As AI/
AN students, we have unlimited potential to empower and positively impact our communities. By using our education and experiences, we can continue to produce innovative solutions and ideas that can address the concerns of our people. I am very proud of my roots and my history. It is my goal to make good health a reality for Native communities, because it is a right not a privilege.
By using our education and experiences, we can continue to produce innovative solutions and ideas that can address the concerns of our people. As a graduate student, I am grateful for the support and investment that AIGC has made in my future and education. Being an AIGC Graduate Fellow has enabled me to embark on the path to achieving my goals and making a difference for my people. It has also made the path in higher education possible and less burdensome. As a result of AIGC’s support and my internship experiences, I know that I am more competent and prepared for the future public health practice and research I will do with Native communities. I am hopeful that we will see more AI/AN students taking advantage of fellowships and internships and, by doing so, will use their voices to continue to channel in the hope, change and leadership that is needed in our communities. âœŚ
The American Indian Graduate
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