Public Health In Richard Preston's The Hot Zone

Infectious diseases are consistently interesting to me since middle school when I read the book, The Hot Zone, by Richard Preston that intricately describes the Ebola virus. While the description of how the virus destroys the human body are unpleasant, this virus fascinated me. Consequently, in my spare time I read about other infectious diseases, such as cholera and tuberculosis, on Wikipedia and other web pages for my personal enjoyment. Years later, I participated in Princeton Model Congress in high school and I first discovered public health. Participants in this organization create mock congressional bills to implement a national change. My bill advocated for the incorporation of HIV tests within annual physicals. The purpose of this

as an HIV Tester and DC Real Talk Workshop Facilitator. From working in this capacity, I am gaining a magnified perspective about the importance of education, screening, and treatment when combating STIs and HIV/AIDS. Most importantly, I learned the importance of the meticulous collection and data analysis to provide proof of the burden of a disease within certain communities. This collection and analysis of data is where I believe I can contribute to the public health field. Lastly, this current experience demonstrates to me the need for epidemiological work. The areas of Washington, D.C. that have the fewest health resources tend to have the highest concentration of HIV. I know which areas lack resources as I live in Southeast D.C. Yet, in order to articulate this disparity, quantitative data is a necessity. I found that when I express the need for oral swab tests for STD for youth, that it is through displaying bar graphs that adds substance to my argument. Therefore, committed to helping individuals receive resources, I understand that data is imperative to rallying sufficient