Shalomel Achi has learned many lessons in her time at Eastern Kentucky University, from the intricacies of public health to perfecting a resume. But, her most important takeaway isn’t academic.
“My EKU experience has taught me that college is what you make it,” she said. “It has taught me to make bold steps.”
Achi, of Wilmore, took that lesson to heart when she applied for the prestigious Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. Her bold step paid off, as she was recently accepted and will spend her summer in Washington, D.C., interning with the Peace Corps of Health Services in the epidemiology unit.
As a public health major, Achi believes the internship will help her grow as a student and worker.
“It will advance me academically because, as an educational program, they offer classes and seminars that develop me,” she explained. “In my career, it will hopefully advance my network and further shape my critical thinking, skills in problem solving, and leadership.”
The fast-paced and demanding environment of Washington, D.C., may seem daunting to some, but it’s no challenge for Achi, who already splits her time between myriad educational pursuits and organizations.
The EKU junior is an Honors student, a Rodney Gross Diversity Scholar and a member of Eta Sigma Gamma, an honorary association for health science majors. She is also actively involved in Cru, the African Student Association and Student Alumni Ambassadors, and is a chair for Relay for Life.
Achi serves a peer mentor for the Freshman Academy for Diverse Students, which she calls one of the most significant parts of her college experience. “The Freshman Academy has allowed me to be engaged in the diversity that this campus has to offer. That will be key living in a city like D.C. over the summer.”
After she graduates in May 2018, Achi plans to return to school to receive her master’s degree in public health, but she hopes to never stop learning. “College has taught me that the more that I know, the more I understand how clueless I am. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and sometimes you have to dig for some of those answers yourself.”
-- by Yasmin White, Student Writer, EKU Communications & Brand Management