Kimberly ThomasBack to Member List
Hometown: Belzoni, Mississippi
Educational background: Biological Sciences (Pre-Medicine) at Mississippi State University
What is your title and role at your host site?
As the Health Educator for Tiger Academy, I provide health education as it relates to nutrition, fitness, and emotional well-being. I am free to express my creativity by designing and facilitating fun, engaging activities for the students. In support of this, I facilitate weekly running activities the Run Like a Girl club, conduct small group tutoring to improve literacy, and assisting with outreach for YMCA wellness programs. Furthermore, the staff of Tiger Academy has been so supportive my personal endeavors of promoting early cultural exposure in elementary students and has allowed me to provide Spanish lessons in conjunction with health promotion.
Why did you join the National Health Corps Florida AmeriCorps program?
I believe partaking in service and valuing interactions within underserved communities helps develop skills that necessary for healthcare providers. NHC FL is an amazing opportunity to help improve health outcomes by providing service, educating communities on various health issues, and forming relationships with other Corps members and members of the community.
What are you hoping to gain from your year of service?
I want this experience to be filled with meaningful, impactful service fueled by my dedication to help underserved communities, whether it by putting a big smile on my students’ faces or by volunteering at a community center on an early Saturday morning. I intend for this year to be helpful with gaining valuable skillsets and the understanding of humanism that is vital in the field of healthcare.
What are your plans after AmeriCorps service?
I plan to attend medical school, and later, practice pediatric medicine in an underserved area. Also, I am considering getting involved in global health.
Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?
Five years from now I envision myself graduating from medical school and getting prepared to start a pediatric residency.