A Narrative of my Goals in my Bucket List

Introduction

On my bucket list of goals, a prominent entry has always been to make a meaningful impact on public health. My name is Sayed Zarif Akbari, though I prefer to be called "Zarif," a nickname that feels like home. I am thrilled to embark on my graduate journey through the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of San Francisco's School of Nursing and Health Professions. This opportunity marks a significant step in a journey that began in Kabul, Afghanistan, where I earned my MD degree from Kabul University of Medical Science and completed a one-year residency.

Recently, my family and I have moved to the United States, which I now consider my second home. This essay aims to explore my professional journey, my dedication to public health, and the experiences that have shaped my aspirations.

Navigating Challenges

Living in a developing, war-torn country presented numerous challenges, but it also instilled in me a resilience and determination to pursue my professional goals. My journey has been filled with ups and downs, yet these obstacles have never deterred me from striving for success. Upon graduation, I was confronted with the realities of an ineffective healthcare system struggling to combat both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including TB, malaria, leishmaniasis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, leprosy, zoonotic diseases, and malnutrition. These systemic issues profoundly affected me as a young professional and motivated me to focus on saving lives at the community level rather than working in clinics with limited resources and infrastructure.

Professional Growth and Impact

To address these challenges, I capitalized on my education and bilingual skills by joining an international non-profit organization. This role allowed me to provide essential health services to vulnerable children and women, which expanded my understanding of the critical needs in public health. Working with this global NGO inspired me to make informed and impactful decisions about my future contributions to the well-being of vulnerable populations, both in Afghanistan and globally.

My career path then led me to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where I worked on technical assistance projects focusing on disaster preparedness and socioeconomic capacity building as a national coordinator. These experiences deepened my knowledge of international development and public health, ultimately guiding me to work as an independent consultant with a private hospital and medical university. My work with the United Nations further honed my management expertise and leadership skills, helping me understand the complexities of designing and implementing successful projects grounded in evidence-based principles.

Commitment to Public Health

Through over ten years of professional experience, I have continuously sought to expand my theoretical knowledge to be more effective in my roles. Completing the MPH program is a vital step toward filling these knowledge gaps, enabling me to make a more profound impact in the field of public health. I have also completed online diploma programs in Global Public Health and Human Nutrition, which have enriched my understanding and prepared me for the next phase of my career.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey, public health remains a central theme on my bucket list of professional goals. My experiences have shaped my commitment to advancing health systems and improving the quality of care for vulnerable populations worldwide. By pursuing further education and expanding my expertise, I am confident that I will contribute meaningfully to public health initiatives both locally and globally. The MPH program at USF represents a crucial step in realizing my ambitions, and I am eager to continue this journey with dedication and passion. Through this program, I aim to bridge the gap between my past experiences and future aspirations, ultimately fulfilling my commitment to making a lasting impact in the field of public health.

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