GASP: What is your major, and why did you choose it?
Nisha: Hi, I’m Nisha Sharma. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked in the field for three years. I’m in the midst of the sixth semester of my master’s in public health program with majors in environmental and occupational health. And I couldn’t be happier with my decision to pursue this degree. I am eagerly waiting for the subjects’ actualization, as public health has a great deal of influence on the community and must be implemented rapidly. Since most of the people I worked with during my undergraduate community service projects lacked even the most fundamental knowledge of health care, I decided to pursue an advanced degree in public health.
GASP: Where are you going to school?
Nisha: Currently I am attending University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
GASP: What do you hope to do post-graduation?
Treating people in trouble and illness really gives me real satisfaction and inspires me to work more. During my community postings I have seen many people suffering with the basic health needs and requirements which motivated me to do the MPH. I have good knowledge on the subject and am excited to learn the best. Occupational and environmental health really matters but is often overlooked.I want to highlight environmental and occupational health concentration as this is a good platform to create a good impact on people’s life and health especially as it has dreadful effects on population health. Therefore, post-graduation I wish to continue in the same field.
GASP: What is your dream job?
Nisha: My dream job is to get into a field that is helpful to society. My perspective about pursuing a goal in particular would be to be a good Samaritan in society to enrich its values in serving mother earth. I don’t see a particular position in mind as of now.
GASP: What do you hope to learn while interning with GASP?
Nisha: As an international student, I am not well experienced with individual personalities in the communities. Hence, this would be a great platform to me in order to connect myself socially with people at GASP and also in the community within. Apart from the social interaction, I expect myself to learn environmental issues in depth, and extend my hand to help with the situation.
GASP: Why is our mission to reduce air pollution important to you?
Nisha: Being in a health care profession, I wish to live in a society that breathes and survives healthily. This being a serious motto my passion is to drive myself to work within a framework that helps the individuals to live freely, and GASP is one such platform that cater its sincere time and energy that aligns my interests. Therefore, I see myself as a passion driven intern to make a good difference.
GASP: What is your favorite food?
Nisha: My favorite food is Hyderabad’s native food called Biryani made of Indian spices and rice.
GASP: What are your hobbies?
Nisha: My interests include cooking playing badminton and gardening.
GASP: Who or what are your influences?
Nisha: My largest source of constant support is my family. Being emotionally close to my parents, they have supported me through all of my ups and downs since the beginning. That is something to which I am really attached. They assisted me in putting my best foot forward and only served to motivate me to work more, push myself through difficult situations, and tackle any challenges head-on with a grin. Therefore, I would say that they have had the most impact on my life.
