Breaking Barriers for the Future: From NC to Chicago

Hi! I'm Krysten, and I was born and raised in southeastern North Carolina. I'm a proud alumna of North Carolina Central University (E-E-E-E-Funk!), where I completed a degree in Biology and Spanish. Shortly after graduation I moved to Carbondale, Illinois to complete a Master's degree in Public Health at Southern Illinois University. While in school, I spent much of my time volunteering with various organizations for underserved youth. I'm currently interning with the Chicago Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task force, learning how the organization addresses health disparities that specifically affect women in Chicagoland. Growing up in rural North Carolina exposed me to a plethora of health inequities that I was initially unaware of until I was introduced to public health in college. I fell in love with the field, and was determined to learn the skills I needed to alleviate disparities plaguing communities heavily populated by people of color and the uninsured.

I am looking forward to serving with Erie Family Health Center- West Town & Humboldt Park and am ecstatic about my upcoming year of service. I'm confident that it will equip me with the skills necessary to make an impact as a future physician and health educator in communities similar to my hometown. Ultimately, I hope to bridge the gap between public health and medicine. Outside of my love for school (weird, I know) and learning, I also love food! There are so many festivals that I am excited to attend in Chicago. I also enjoy reading, working out, and outdoor activities. I am excited to meet everyone & explore Chicago as we learn how to break barriers together!

This blog post was written by NHC Chicago 2017-18 member Krysten Sessoms.

Krysten will be a Health Educator at Erie Family Health Center- West Town and Humboldt Park.