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🔖Save the document to PDF (works for most browsers)

1. Press Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+P (Mac)
2. In the print dialog, set the destination/printer to "Save as PDF" or "Microsoft Print to PDF"
3. Click Save or Print and save the file to your computer.

Instructions: Respond to the questions below and then draft your Why Statement.

*This is just a starting point. ***It’s okay if your why isn't fully formed yet; it's meant to evolve as you discover more about your values and goals.

1. Your Spark: Write a few sentences about ****what sparked your interest in public health. Think about what initially drew you to this field. Was there a specific moment, experience, or realization? Did a personal or family health experience influence you? Was there a community issue you witnessed or learned about? Did a class, book, or conversation change your perspective?

2. Your Motivation: Review the example motivation statements below. Select 3 that resonate with you the most or add your own.

   • "I believe everyone deserves equal access to healthcare."
   • "I'm driven to solve complex problems that affect many people."
   • "I want to give back to my community or communities like mine."
   • “I'm committed to dismantling racist systems that create health disparities."
   • "I'm passionate about preventing problems before they occur."
   • "I want to use science and data to make the world better."
   • "I want to work on the frontlines of health challenges."
   • "I'm motivated by creating systemic change that lasts."
   • "I want to protect vulnerable populations who can't advocate for themselves."
   • "I'm driven to address root causes, not just symptoms."
   • "I want to work on the frontlines of health challenges."
   • "I believe education and knowledge can transform lives."
   • "I want to amplify voices from communities most impacted by health injustices."
   • "I'm passionate about environmental justice."
   • “I want to work on solving the climate crisis.”
   • “I want to bridge divides and bring people together around health."

3. Your Purpose: Complete these statements:

   The health issue I care most about is _________________ because _______________ . The population I feel most called to serve is _________________ because __________________. When I imagine making a difference, I picture ____________________.

4. Your Why Statement: Now combine your responses above into 2-3 clear sentences that capture your deeper purpose for pursuing public health work. You can use the template below as a guide or create your own.

"I am pursuing public health because [your spark/motivation]. I am particularly passionate about [health issue/population] because [reason]. My goal is to [the difference I want to make in the world]."

1. Add your Why statement to your **Self-Study Summary