Alumni Perspective: Direct Service Has a Lasting Influence

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps, we have asked alumni to share their story. Chicago Health Corps members from 2011-2012, Sana Syal and Danielle Nelson describe how their service terms made a lasting influence on their personal and professional passions.

Sana Syal (pictured on right)

As a Chicago Health Corps member, Sana served as a Program Specialist with the Westside Health Authority.

Where are you now?
"I am a second year Masters of Public Health student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, focusing on Health Management and Policy. I also work part-time as a Graduate Student Researcher for the Prevention Research Center of Michigan, and I volunteer part-time to help patients at a local clinic enroll in health insurance."

How has your service affected your personal and/or professional passions?
"CHC was exactly what I needed to reaffirm my passion for addressing health inequities through high quality health care programs.  I decided to go back to school to strengthen my skills in program management and derive a better understanding of health policy, especially now as we're in the beginnings of health reform implementation.  I plan to move back to Chicago in May to continue pursuing my career goals!"

Danielle Nelson (pictured on left)

As a Chicago Health Corps member, Danielle served as a Lung Health Educator with the Respiratory Health Association.

Where are you now?
"I am currently in my last semester of graduate school working toward a Masters of Health Services Administration at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. I am interested in healthcare administration, particularly hospital operations and process improvement, and how hospitals can impact community health."           

How has your service affected your personal and/or professional passions?
"I couldn't have asked for a better learning and growing experience than CHC! The year of service helped me solidify my career objectives. I want to pursue a career where I can work on large scale problems, and yet still have a direct impact on the health and wellness of a community. Post graduation, I am moving to the metro-Detroit area to pursue an administrative fellowship with Henry Ford Health System."