In this series, Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences is shining the spotlight on distinguished members of the Class of 2022 from a wide array of disciplines.
A recipient of the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship and the Fulbright award, Allison Potter ’22 hopes to work in global health consulting on program monitoring and evaluation or in refugee resettlement before pursuing her doctorate and working in an academic setting.
Potter is double majoring in public health studies and policy studies and is a member of the Class of 2022 Periclean Scholars cohort and Omicron Delta Kappa and Kappa Omicron Nu honor societies.
How did you choose your majors?
I chose public health studies and policy studies because I knew I wanted to work in a field that is involved in healthcare but not necessarily in clinical work. I also wanted to address health issues at their root causes, so both of these factors led me to my majors so I can work to address health on a community level through policy change.
Did you have a close relationship with any professors?
I have worked closely with Senior Lecturer Amanda Tapler as a practicum student during the Winter Term trip to Jamkhed, India, as a Periclean Scholar in the cohort she mentors and as the Public Health Studies Department Assistant. Over the years she has pushed me academically, taught me about cross cultural engagement, global health and sustainable development, and has been part of an incredible support system I have built here at Elon.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be pursing my Master in Health and International Development at the London School of Economics as a Rotary Global Grant Scholar.
What’s been the most valuable part of your time at Elon?
The connections I have made at Elon have been most valuable to me. Learning from my peers in classes, gaining several trusted mentors and meeting the most incredible friends I could ask for made my Elon experience even better than I thought it could be. Being a public health major has also transformed my undergraduate years; the professors in the department are committed to helping students grow into well rounded, empathetic and passionate people through personal connection and never ending support. These connections are making it very hard to leave!
What advice would you give future Elon students?
I would tell future Elon students not to underestimate how fast your four years will go. Everyone tells you that as a first-year student but take it to heart. Say yes to as many opportunities as you can because there are incredible people, organizations and resources at your finger tips here that will help you make the most of your four years and beyond.