The Poetry of Service

Starting in summer
I was anxious and nervous
New to public health

But throughout training
I met inspiring people
Set my mind at ease

Different backgrounds
And experiences made
For beautiful talks

We parted our paths
Now time to make an impact
Off to our host sites

RHA was home
Role of health educator
Focus on lung health

One month of training
Learning all about asthma
Swelling, snot, squeezing

Asthma is chronic
Let me say it one more time
Asthma is chronic

We traveled to schools
Providing our free classes
Parents, staff, students

Classroom management
Boy, did I learn a lot here
Unpredictable

But we persisted
And adapted our techniques
Patience was the key

Through every program
I met dynamic people
Improving their health

I enjoyed each day
It was a new adventure
Always learning more

Leaving very soon
I will always be grateful
Chance of a lifetime

And on one last note
I realize something crucial
Service is my life

This blog post was written by NHC Chicago 2016-17 member Kristy Stevlingson.

Kristy is an Asthma Educator at Respiratory Health Association.