LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2025) — When Waveney Brooks transferred to the University of Kentucky as a sophomore, she never imagined that a classroom experience would open the door to real-world public heath practice across Kentucky. What started as a broad introduction to the many disciplines of w ell-being soon grew into a purposeful public health career path defined by mentorship, community engagement and purpose.   “I took a course titled ‘The Science of Wellness’ at a different university, and the curriculum introduced me to the field of health promotion and taught me the importance of all the dimensions of wellness, not just physical and mental health but occupational, emotional, social, financial health and more,” the now-senior UK student said. “I realized that this was something I wished everyone knew, because I wanted everyone to have a chance to thrive in life, and that could only happen if we viewed well-being holistically and on multiple levels.”   After transferring to UK and taking an introduction to public health class with Sarah Cprek, Ph.D., Brooks recognized that public health was the discipline that tied her passions together. “I felt like I had found that area that held my interest — the hope to help entire communities and populations achieve better well-being through well-designed programs and system analysis,” she said. “I switched to the Bachelor of Public Health program at the end of that semester.”  Through a class on public health careers, taught by Jennifer Strange, she learned of the many pathways within the field and attended DEAL Day. DEAL, which stands for Discover, Experience, Apply and Learn, is a hands-on career exploration event hosted by the College of Public Health each semester.    “At DEAL Day in Spring of 2024, we got to drive around to different public health-related organizations in Lexington and learn about what they do,” Brooks said. “At the Cooperative Extension Office, we got to hear from representatives from the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD), including Jessica Cobb, a Community Health Officer.” Encouraged by Strange to network, Brooks introduced herself to Cobb and expressed her interest in an internship that summer. That moment of initiative changed everything. “About a week later, I followed up with Jessica and she looped in Janie Cambron and (CPH Experiential Education Director) Nicole Barber-Culp, who helped us get in touch with Liz Kidwell from the Region IV Public Health Training Center,” Brooks said. “They helped me apply for a Pathways to Practice Scholars Grant, which I received, to do work with LFCHD that summer on community health projects addressing the needs of underserved communities in our county.” She credits her experience on DEAL Day as a turning point and said it opened the door for her entire professional journey. “It gave me the courage to apply for an internship position with the Kentucky Department for Public Health that fall… and prompted me to apply for the Rural Public Health Scholars Program,” Brooks said. The Rural Public Health Scholars Program is an initiative designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers in rural health while addressing critical workforce shortages across Kentucky. Along the way, two key public health faculty members became her mentors — Janie Cambron and Margaret McGladrey, Ph.D. “Janie Cambron provided me with direction, encouragement, professional skills and numerous opportunities to practice them,” Brooks said. “Her belief in me and excitement about my journey nurtured my professional growth over the last 18 months, and I will always be grateful to her for that.” Cambron reflected on Brooks’ growth, noting her initiative and determination.  “Waveney is the kind of student who does not wait for opportunities to come to her,” Cambron said. “She creates them. She sees a path or she builds one. Each time we met, I could see more light bulb moments, as well as more confidence in who she was and what she could contribute.” Brooks’ relationship with McGladrey began when the latter guest-lectured in a class on adverse childhood experiences. Following McGladrey’s presentation with Valerie Frost about the impact of ACEs and the work surrounding them in Kentucky, Brooks said she felt inspired to introduce herself and ask for an opportunity to get involved in McGladrey’s research. “What was especially affirming about working with Dr. McGladrey was that, as a mentor, she seemed able to identify my personal strengths and she inquired about my specific interests,” Brooks said. “She then curated my projects as her research assistant to build on those strengths and give me the most relevant and fascinating work opportunities that were available.” Through that mentorship, Brooks learned about the Together Project funded by New Allies, a partnership between UK’s Center for Public Health Systems Services Research and counties in Western Kentucky pursuing community-based, community-led initiatives to prevent child welfare system involvement. “I have loved getting to see the way that professionals from numerous organizations and sectors have come together to pursue a goal that impacts all their various fields,” she said. “I love seeing the strengths of each community shine through as they collaborate for their shared passion: to improve the well-being and opportunities of their region.” Brooks’ experiences also led her to guest lecture for a class, inspiring the next generation of students to embrace professional opportunities early. “I hope that other students can have the same illuminating experiential learning opportunities that I have had,” she said. “You do have to make the choice to put yourself out there and ask for those opportunities. However, my story shows that it is worth it to push past the awkwardness and anxiety that accompanies the first stages of getting professional experience.” Brooks also understands the balance and resilience it takes to succeed as a student. “By pursuing scholarships, advocating for paid internship opportunities and managing at least 20-hour work weeks alongside my coursework, I have found a balance that works for me,” she said. Now, with graduation approaching, Brooks is preparing to begin her next chapter as a Community Health Worker with UK’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science. She said that the team she will join is dedicated to strengthening health across central Kentucky by building strong community connections and pursuing initiatives in partnership with local leaders. “Our goal is always to help students believe in what they bring to the table,” Cambron added. “When someone like Waveney leans into that belief, you can see her trajectory shift in real time. Ordinary people like me get to work alongside extraordinary students like Waveney, and it’s truly inspiring.” Looking ahead, Brooks said she hopes to continue building bridges between systems and communities. “I hope to help strengthen our Commonwealth by joining the work to improve our systems for more effective, community-based collaboration, led by the very people who represent their communities,” Brooks said. The post From classroom to community: Student’s journey exemplifies ‘public health in action’ appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less