I have seen first-hand how an individual’s socio-economic class can have drastic ramifications for his or health, both in my local community and in my immediate family. Unfortunately, l for those in the lowest classes, the ramifications can be incredible negative. My scholarly and professional interests include the nexus of class, health, and environmentalism. As a recently accepted MSW student at Temple University, I would like to obtain a MSW/MPH dual degree with a concentration in environmental health to further understand how exposure to environmental hazards and environmental policy influences the health and sustainably of communities. Exposure to harmful environmental hazards is disproportionate among the classes, and as such, research opportunities regarding the intersection of class, health, and environmentalism is ample. As an undergraduate religious studies major, one interest of mine, which was inspired by the class Religion and the Earth, has been how religious communities conceive of environmental degradation. My scholarly interest has evolved to a primary concern of how class can negatively impact one’s health. …show more content…
As an undergraduate, I designed, budgeted, and received a grant to assist Human Services Program of Carroll County MD with their Community Garden Program. The garden’s primary function is to provide healthy fruits and vegetables that those living in lower socio-economic classes often cannot afford, thus harming their health. With a MSW/MPH dual degree I will be able to better understand the environmental health side of this social justice issue, including how environmental sustainability initiatives are vital to alleviating food security