Jessica Rashkovsky started the M.P.H. in Behavioral Health and Health Promotion Program this spring at the NYMC School of Health Sciences and Practice & Institute of Public Health. She has served in the military for nearly 12 years and is currently transitioning from active duty to the Army Reserve. She was a combat medic/health specialist in her most recent role. Jessica’s unit was the 501st ASMC (Area Support Medical Company) and 86th CSH (Combat Support Hospital) in Ft. Campbell, KY. From Ft. Campbell, she was deployed to Liberia during the Ebola outbreak. Her team worked with USAID to train the local population in hygiene and used a mock environment to train Liberian social workers, hygienists and nurses. Following that assignment, she began work at the Pentagon, where she has been for the last 2 years. Jessica plans to travel and use her experience and education to help communities in need. As a distance learner, Jessica manages life and school on her own time.
“I love that I can attend an excellent school, with an excellent reputation and still meet obligations for my family. Dr. Bond, my faculty advisor, and Irene and Pam in the admissions office have been so kind and helpful. When I was applying, there were delays in my SOPHAS application and Pam was really accommodating. They were super helpful and responsive when I had concerns during registration. If I could give everyone a hug and a gift basket I would!”
The advice she’d give to distance learners is to allow time for yourself and take advantage of the flexibility of online learning.