Hi, I’m Brooke! I’m a Vanderbilt undergraduate student studying Child Development and Medicine, Health & Society with a minor in Biology. I’m passionate about healthcare, research, and my future goals in public health. Outside of the classroom, I’m involved in Vanderbilt Hillel, the Line Dancing Club, Alpha Delta Pi, and Youth Engagement Services. One of my favorite parts of being at Vanderbilt has been discovering everything Nashville has to offer, from the incredible live music and restaurants to the parks, culture, and local experiences that make the city so unique. I’d love to share my favorite spots, my experiences on campus, and what makes Vanderbilt so amazing!

Hometown

Orlando, Florida

Major(s)

Child Development and Medicine, Health, & Society

Minor(s)

Biology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

President of Vanderbilt Hilell President of Vandy Line Dancing Club Internal Coordinator for Youth Engagment Services VUCeptor (Orientation leader) Alpha Delta Pi (Greek Life Organization) Member of Public Health Student Association

Describe your college experience

I was very nervous about going out of state for college, but Vanderbilt made the transition much easier than I expected. During orientation, you are encouraged to meet so many new people and step outside of your comfort zone during those first few days on campus. Orientation continues throughout the first six weeks through a class where you learn about campus resources, ask questions, and connect directly with upperclassmen and faculty members. This helped break down some of the barriers around asking for help and made it easier to know where to turn when I needed guidance at the beginning of the school year. Vanderbilt also does a great job encouraging students to get involved by attending club fairs, organization showcases, and campus events. While everyone’s transition to college looks different, Vanderbilt works hard to make sure students know about the resources available and feel supported as they find their place on campus. Beyond campus, Nashville has so much to offer. It is easy to explore the city through its incredible restaurants, live music, parks, and unique experiences. Even going into my third year, I still have so many places I want to visit and things I want to explore. One of my favorite parts of Vanderbilt has been the opportunity to grow both on campus and throughout the Nashville community.

Tip for future students

Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something completely new! Join clubs or activities that you never thought you would be interested in. I joined the Line Dancing Club having never line danced before, and it ended up becoming one of my favorite parts of campus life. Now, I help run the club because I truly value having a healthy work-life balance at Vanderbilt. It can be easy to get caught up in classes, pre-professional experiences, internships, and studying, but it’s important to remember that college is also a time to have fun, explore new interests, and make memories. Line dancing gives me an hour each week to step away from my responsibilities, spend time with friends, and be part of a community that is fun, welcoming, and not competitive or stressful.

Favorite class

My favorite class I took last semester was Politics of Reproductive Health. It covered a topic that can be very controversial, but my professor did an amazing job creating a space where everyone felt comfortable sharing their perspectives and having respectful conversations. The class had students from many different backgrounds with a variety of opinions and beliefs, which made every discussion more interesting and meaningful. I really enjoyed that we were able to look at the topic from many different angles by exploring research, data, personal experiences, and different viewpoints. The class was very discussion-based, which I found refreshing because it encouraged us to listen to each other and think critically rather than just focus on having the “right” answer. In a world where conversations can sometimes become very divided, this class showed me how valuable it is to have spaces where people can openly learn from one another.

Career goals

After college, I aspire to pursue my Master of Public Health (MPH). I am still exploring what my exact career path will look like, but I know that I am passionate about working on the administrative and systems side of healthcare. I hope to use my experiences and education to help improve healthcare systems, increase access to resources, and create meaningful changes that positively impact patients and communities.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night in Nashville is finding a concert or going to the Listening Room Café. I love music and enjoy any place where I can grab something to eat, relax, and spend time with friends. I also love exploring different parts of the city, whether that means trying a new restaurant, walking around a new neighborhood, or finding a hidden gem in Nashville. There is always something new to experience, and I love taking advantage of everything the city has to offer.

High school or secondary school

Winter Park High School - Winter Park, Florida

Previous college

N​/​A