Public Health Student Gains First-hand Experience
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Public Health Student Gains First-hand Experience Abroad
When the current public health crisis took the world by storm earlier this year, senior public health major Taylor Susi was studying with a virologist in a biology lab in Siena, Italy, one of the countries hit early by COVID-19.
As the concern began growing in Italy, Taylor went to the Kent State University Florence Center, where she presented to her fellow Golden Flashes about the virus. She shared information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), along with tips on preventative measures and where to find reliable information about the unfolding pandemic.
“When I went to KSU Florence, I really felt for the students there because I understood the panic they were feeling. The discussion I gave focused on explaining what the coronavirus was in general and COVID-19 specifically,” she said. “We also discussed how to relieve stress and anxiety.”
Unlike many students, Taylor’s housing agreement was not cut short because she was participating in a different program and living in Siena. She decided to stay in Italy a bit longer than students in Florence. At the time, there weren’t many cases in Italy. By staying in place, she hoped not only to limit the spread of COVID-19, but also to protect her mother who has a higher risk for contracting the virus because she has Multiple Sclerosis.
But life in Siena changed quickly after the virus began to spread throughout the country.
“After the outbreak in Italy, everything remained normal until the virus began spreading more throughout the country,” Taylor said. “After that, stores began closing, and people were told to social distance. I was able to continue to work since I was considered an essential worker. Soon after, the city was completely locked down. No one could leave unless they had to go to the grocery store, pharmacy or if there was a medical emergency.”
She also noticed a shift in the culture. When she first arrived, Taylor found the city to be small but bustling with people. By the time she left, the streets were empty. She returned to the United States on March 23 after President Trump announced that U.S. citizens should return as soon as possible or prepare to shelter in place indefinitely.
As an essential worker and a researcher of infectious diseases, Taylor had a unique opportunity to study abroad during the pandemic. Despite the unnerving situation, it didn’t change her plans to pursue her degree in public health. And although her time in Italy was cut short, Taylor learned many valuable lessons during her stay.
“I think the biggest lesson I learned is the importance of mental health and being kind and supportive to others. It is okay to take time for yourself and not be productive,” she said. “I think it is important for people to remember that viruses don’t care about age, race or economic status. Whenever there is a new strain that scientists have never seen before, there will be uncertainty on how deadly or how transmittable it will be. Right now, we have to remember that we are all going through this pandemic together.”