The University of Tennessee, Knoxville was well-represented at March’s Southern College Health Association Annual Conference. Three ambassadors from the Student Health Center presented their work to college and university health practitioners from across the Southeast, promoting public health and deepening their own professional skills.
Emma Miyamoto, Gracie Hitchcock, and Emma Butler, who are each studying a health-related field, traveled to Athens, Georgia, to present their work around engaging student voices in order to promote community health literacy.
“Presenting at the conference was such an amazing opportunity, especially this early in my healthcare journey,” says Miyamoto, a sophomore studying kinesiology. It gave me the chance to connect with passionate professionals in the field—something not many of my peers get to do at this stage.”
Miyamoto shares that she was able to put the knowledge she’s gained from working at the SHC into practice, while also improving her research and presentation skills. The whole experience helped her build confidence in sharing her findings and solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare.
“Most importantly, it gave me a great start by building my confidence and helping me make valuable connections for the future,” says Miyamoto.
Gracie Hitchcock, a senior in the accelerated five-year master’s in public health program who is majoring in human development with double minors in public health and nutrition, was also grateful for the opportunity to present.
“This experience has not only allowed me to share valuable insight with a diverse group of healthcare professionals, but it has also enhanced my leadership and public speaking skills,” says the senior. “Through the preparation and delivery of the presentation, I gained a deeper understanding of how to effectively communicate ideas, engage an audience, and foster meaningful discussions. Being a part of this conference has also broadened my perspective on the importance of collaboration and continuous learning. I have learned so much through this conference and can’t wait to take that information into my future career.”
A third-year senior studying nutrition with a concentration in dietetics, Emma Butler gained meaningful insight on her area of study through attending the conference and valued the public speaking opportunity to share about the work of student health ambassadors on UT’s campus.
“Having the opportunity to speak at this conference has not only strengthened my confidence in public speaking but also deepened my appreciation for collaboration and the unwavering support within the healthcare community,” Butler said. “Sharing the work we do as student health ambassadors on campus has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to see how these conversations inspire others to create and implement positive changes to improve health literacy on campuses across the next generation.”
Butler, who will continue her studies with UT’s accelerated master’s program for clinical nutrition and dietetics, as well as Miyamoto and Hitchcock found the conference to be beneficial to their development in their respective fields.
“Our student health ambassadors impress me every day with their commitment to public health,” says Carman North, community health data analyst. “I’m so happy to have been able to share their successes with college health professionals from across the Southeast at the annual conference.”