top of page
meighanmcmurran

MHST 631: Final Reflections



As another semester comes to a close I am once again struck by how much I feel I have learned, and by how much more I still do not know. My experience in MHST 631 has been overwhelmingly positive; complemented by interesting readings, insightful and at times challenging learning activities and assignments, and engaging discussions with peers. I look forward to a continued focus on Health Promotion in the coming semesters where I endeavour to expand my knowledge and understanding of the diverse needs of the field and how these can be collectively actioned in support of social justice, health equity, and community empowerment.

 

This course has allowed me to gain a beginning grasp on the field of Health Promotion, including theories, models, and approaches, the continued evolution of health and sustainable development, and the critical importance of community involvement, especially as this involves vulnerable populations. It has been rewarding to exercise my reflexive muscles week to week, to develop these understandings alongside my peers. Together I feel we have gained an expanded perspective on the complexities of health and what it means to be “healthy”, including how this can be affected by a variety of (uncontrollable and seemingly uncontrollable) determinants.  From a Week One focus on Nixon’s Coin Model of Privilege and Critical Allyship, to a Week 13 focus on Implicit Bias, I feel I have learned a lot about myself (my positionality, my good fortune, and unconscious preferences) that I will take with me in my life, school, and work – Seeking to leverage this knowledge as an advocate where appropriate and working consciously to correct misunderstandings and knowledge gaps where needed. I have always endeavoured to inspire change and am excited to continue my journey of learning on what, how, and with whom I will get there.

 

As I move forward, I will take with me a Week One concept that I feel aligns strongly with my belief in equity and inclusion and commitment to anti-oppressive practice: Power does not equal expertise (Nixon, 2019). A “healthy” world will be one in which the opinions, beliefs, knowledge, and experience of all persons are valued – regardless of unearned advantage or material resources. I look forward to working alongside these individuals and groups to make space for divergent perspectives, create and action new definitions of health, and dismantle oppressive systems.

 

I am motivated, I am humble, I am ready to learn.

 

Reference

 

Nixon, S. A. (2019). The coin model of privilege and critical allyship: Implications for health. BMC Public Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7884-9



6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

In Brief: Environmental Scans

An environmental scan can be used to inform understanding of and decision-making which surrounds a health promotion issue or opportunity...

MHST 632: Beginning Thoughts

Armed with strong beliefs in the need for and power of health promotion (HP), I was excited to begin my learning journey last semester...

Comments


bottom of page