About Me

          I am Sadie Sanders, a senior Language & International Health major with a concentration in Spanish. I am inspired to pursue public health, especially as it relates to underserved populations because I have seen firsthand the difficulties of navigating the healthcare system, the inequities in access to care, and the need for cross-cultural competency in healthcare. My core values include resilience, empathy, and advocacy, which drive my passion for making a difference in the health outcomes of communities. 

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          I studied abroad in Spring of 2025 in Sevilla, Spain, where I took courses in medical Spanish and interned at Asociación de Diabéticos de Sevilla (ADIASEV), in which I fulfilled a variety of roles. At ADIASEV, I supported their mission of supporting people with diabetes and their families through health education, legal guidance, diabetes training, and connecting patients with healthcare professionals. I created and managed social media platforms, created health educational materials, and performed administrative tasks to support initiatives aimed at improving diabetic care and patient rights. Through this internship, I demonstrated adaptability; I had to learn many new skills, including website creation, completely in Spanish. I had to adapt quickly to fulfill the requirements of my internship.

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          My coursework at Clemson has also allowed me to grow as a professional. Some of my most influential classes include global health, health communication, and drugs, brain, & behavior. My global health class sparked my passion for health programs, disease prevention, and healthcare worldwide, increasing my empathy. Through my health communication class, I implemented a program in local schools to increase awareness about healthy nutrition practices among adolescents. My drugs, brain, & behavior class shaped my journey at Clemson because I engaged in thought-provoking discussions throughout the semester about the intersection between health issues, public policy, and community outcomes

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          During my time at Clemson, I have battled a chronic illness while learning about how best to help others with their health, developing personally and professionally, and keeping an open-mind about opportunities for growth. I have also supported family members through a cancer diagnosis, injuries, and more. Through my personal journey with health, I have developed a deeper understanding of cultural humility and the need to recognize that every individual’s health experience is influenced by lived experiences and broader systemic forces that shape access and outcomes. In addition, my commitment to curiosity and creativity helps me approach complex health issues with compassion and critical thinking. Instead of viewing health issues as isolated instances, I strive to understand the social, economic, political, and cultural contexts surrounding the prevention and treatment of health issues. 

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          My core values directly align with my future aspirations of pursuing a career in public health. My values, experiences, and ability to adapt will help me be a culturally competent public health leader. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career specifically related to global health and health promotion programs with the goal of advocating for more accessible, inclusive, and patient-centered healthcare. 

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          Through my international internship, academic experiences, and personal health experiences, I have developed resilience, empathy, adaptability, open-mindedness, and a passion for advocacy that will propel me forward to serving the health of diverse communities. Each experience has given me insight into the different facets of health and the impact that socioeconomic structures have on the health of populations. Through working at a small nonprofit, I also learned about the difficulties faced by patient advocacy groups and the necessities for advocacy to succeed. As a public health professional, I will strive to continue learning, leading, and working toward a more equitable healthcare system.