Beginning my journey at Rollins, like many others’ experiences, was exciting but it also became overwhelming: a new city, a new school, and trying to take it all in so quickly. One of the decisions I was faced with early on was whether or not to apply for a certificate, and ultimately, I chose not to complete one for a variety of reasons I will expand on below.
When I began my first semester at Rollins, I had no idea what sector of global health I wanted to enter into after graduation. I took no time off between undergrad and graduate school to explore the different sectors, so I came in completely open-minded. I had been fortunate to work in an infectious disease lab during undergrad, but I was not sure I wanted to continue to focus in that direction. I have so many interests in different fields of global health, so I wanted to be able to explore them all. Various certificates caught my eye at first glance, but it was difficult for me to pinpoint exactly which one I would choose. It felt as if I had to pick a direction too early, and I was not set on a certain path then. However, as my time at Rollins continues, I am beginning to focus on where my passions lie, and I am thankful for the freedom to explore all that Rollins has to offer.
I was also worried that declaring a certificate would limit my opportunities for elective credits. Although there is no rule that you cannot take other electives, the two years we have at Rollins are so short that it is hard to add on other course interests on top of a certificate’s requirements. As a first-year, second-semester student, my decision to not choose a certificate has allowed me the opportunity to take three elective courses on very different topics thus far.
Another stressor for all first years is finding an APE and being a part of a certificate program limits the scope of positions you could apply for that would be considered applicable for an APE. I felt that this constraint was added stress that did not outweigh the pros of choosing a certificate. My main focus outside of academics has been finding an APE that directly relates to my passions, and I feel I have more freedom to find that without a certificate.
Although I did not choose to complete a certificate at Rollins, I feel as if I have created a specialized “certificate” with courses that I am interested in that are unique to me. Tailoring my experience ensures I can get everything I want out of my two years at Rollins. The array of electives I have taken and will continue to take could prove beneficial in my career in a multitude of ways. It’s impossible to predict the future, I have no idea where my path will lead me after graduation, so I did not choose to complete a certificate.
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