Help Support My DrPH Education

“After the final no, there comes a yes, and on that yes, the future world depends.” — Wallace Stevens

Dearest Friends and Supporters,

I hope this message finds you in good spirits and abundant joy. Today, I am reaching out to you with elation and determination, as I have finally taken a momentous step towards fulfilling my lifelong dream of obtaining a doctorate. Many of you have been by my side throughout my journey, witnessing my unwavering desire to pursue higher education, despite the numerous health challenges my family has faced.

My passion for the field of health was ignited when I saw my brother's heart condition, which remains an enigma to this day, discovered during his early childhood. During my time at Penn State, I majored in Bio-Behavioral Health (BBH) and was blessed with a competitiveness grant that allowed me to attend. The BBH program revealed health as an integrated discipline, where public health plays a vital role in the larger societal mission of promoting well-being. A team approach, where patients actively engage in their care, has become the prevailing trend, and I am eager to acquire the expertise to be a true champion of this collaborative model. My interests in public health extend to diabetes, antibiotic resistance, and heart-related diseases, as my loved ones, including my dear mother, have been affected by these health challenges.

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to work in the health field, and with several years of experience in the industry, along with personal and family trials, I am now resolute in my decision to become an epidemiologist. I firmly believe that dreams require steadfast effort and dedication to manifest as aspirations, and I am living this truth with every fiber of my being. Graduating with a Master of Public Health (MPH) in May 2016 marked the beginning of my journey, and now, I am steadfastly pursuing my Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) to achieve my ultimate goal. Through this pursuit, I am confident that the expanded perspective offered by a Doctor of Public Health degree will empower me to contribute more effectively to the well-being of others.

The significance of a Doctorate of Public Health degree in realizing my career aspirations cannot be overstated. The field of public health holds immense potential to positively impact the lives of thousands and millions. I am grateful for the challenging and passionate learning environment, which is shaping me into an epidemiologist with a profound understanding of my role within the health system, public health, and the collaborative power of empowering others. The rigorous DrPH program, graced by exceptional professors and a distinguished curriculum, is propelling me towards academic excellence.

Passionate, driven, and tenacious, my interests in public health, drug safety, data standards, and disease control drive me to make a meaningful difference. My personal experiences, coupled with my academic training, work, and community service, have equipped me to thrive as a doctoral student.

In my pursuit of this dream, I have created a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate some of the financial burdens. Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing my campaign within your network, would be deeply cherished. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings me closer to making my dream a reality. Your belief in me and my dreams touches my heart profoundly.

With sincere gratitude and unwavering determination,

Khulud Khudur, DrPH (c), MSLIS, MPH, BBH, CPH