Hey, I’m
Calya
Denson
About Me
Personal Statement
Ever since I was a child I knew I wanted to help people. As a young adult, I then realized that the medical field is the arena where I can be an aid for others. When I was in middle school I greatly suffered from a skin condition that we believe to be psoriasis or an extreme case of eczema. My confidence dropped drastically. I felt insecure about my body and I was being made fun of for something I had no control over. Due to my own experiences with skin conditions, I am infatuated with dermatology. At such a young age I've already taken actions to get me closer to my dreams such as attending my high school's Certified Nursing Assistant program. In addition to furthering my education University of Florida in Health Education and Behavior while working two jobs that require time-management and leadership skills, to help expand my knowledge while being a positive example for others. I have been determined to incorporate my passion for helping others in my education. I desire to lead by promoting standards of excellence and making people feel comfortable in their own skin.
Philosophy of Health Education & Promotion Statement
Health Education and Behavior is about learning techniques to promote healthy lifestyle choices
in individuals and in group settings, along with catering to communities to provide inclusivity,
diversity, and culturally appropriate health education methodologies. By pursuing higher
education in Health Education and Behavior I can essentially learn how to elongate life for
minorities. By studying the population and discovering more about our habits and lifestyles, we
can improve the overall quality of our lives. Health Education and Behavior is the Segway to
saving humanity through preventative measures to better society for me and future generations.
As a young black woman living in today's society, I struggled with treatable health conditions. I
was constantly misdiagnosed because of the complexion of my skin. There are not enough
BIPOC ( black, indigenous, and people of color) studying health to investigate our conditions,
health, and the underrepresentation of those with darker skin complexions.
As a health education
specialist it is my responsibility to understand BIPOC communities to help give them more
sustainable lifestyles and improve their health which is what studying Health Education and
Behavior with a specialization in Community Health Promotion is all about. We all take
responsibility to supply a community where minorities can receive accessible health which plays
a significant role in collective access. Studying Health Education and behavior with a
specialization in Community Health Promotion ultimately gives me the base knowledge I need to
further pursue my goals to advocate for a more inclusive and accessible environment to support
minorities within society.
Academic Preperation
This section highlights my academic projects that I have cultivate throughout my time at the University of Florida
EEX3093, Exceptional People: School & Society
Instructor: Dr. Alice Kaye Emery
Fall 2021
Project Grade: 100%
Being Heumann Book report
The goal of this project was to analyze an Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist historical changes, resources, and opportunities that can provide individuals with disabilities equitable access to academic and social institutions, and prepare a written summary including self-reflection on perspectives and biases, citing evidence from course readings and relevant research. I learned that many groups are discriminated against. Not just black and white; however, that always plays a role. There are others who fought for their rights as well. Such as those with disabilities. I was astonished when I read that they were kept from education and banned from government jobs. I couldn’t believe how non-disabled viewed them. Reading from Judy’s perspective, I realized that they were excluded from the world just by inaccessibility. Little things like curbs and steps were considered dead ends, something I typically don’t see as inconvenient are for those with disabilities. “I was forty-one years old, and finally, I was an
equal citizen.” Judy spent a substantial fraction of her life fighting for the rights she was entitled to. I believe no person should have to face years of discrimination and feeling separated from the world for so long. This made me realize how grateful I should be for the changes that have occurred but still fight for more.
Course: EEX4280, Disability in Community and Work
Instructor: Dr. Mary Moody
Semester: Summer C 2022
Project Grade: 100%
Group Action plan
The goal of this Action Plan was to identify an issue in the community that is in need. While providing references and support from the course. We collaborated and determined the issue our group identified that we would like to address is the lack of allies for individuals with disabilities. More allies mean more inclusion for people with disabilities spreading awareness oft he issues being faced and educating individuals with information about disabilities. One component we decided to implement to help combat this issue was through the creation of our 6 step process flier informing others on how to become an ally. This action taken by our group to bring awareness to the issue and spread information regarding allyship on how to better solve the problem will allow individuals in this building to learn and share the information with other members of the UF community! The issue being addressed by our group is the lack of awareness individuals have regarding how to become an ally for individuals with disabilities and we believe this flier is a step in the right direction on educating others and increasing that awareness.
Involvement
Theta Alpha Sorority
Theta Alpha Interest Event: Me( in teal) with Rachel and Lexi at an interest event learning more about Theta Alpha not knowing they would become my soon to be sisters, Fall 2023
Theta Alpha exists as a ministry to glorify God on college campuses by encouraging sisters to grow in their relationship with the Lord and equipping them for their mission in the world. Theta Alpha’s sisterhood strives to establish unity among its members through a shared faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings
As a pearl of Theta Alpha I am here to be support to my sisters and help them throughout their journey here in college as while as Christ. What I love most about being part of this sorority is that we still encourage each other while still holding each another accountable. There is truly nothing quite like this sisterhood.
Arts In Health
Arts In Health Pottery Painting Social: Me (in purple) with other members at the Reitz arts and Craft Center Spring 2022
Arts In Health is a UF organization who's purpose is promoting mental, physical, and emotional health to members and the greater Gainesville community thorough the use of the arts. As a member what I love most about Ats in Health is that it allows me to express myself in different medias and connecting with various people on campus that share an interest in the importance of art and health and how the co-exist.
Arts In Health: Chalk Art Event: flower person walking saying" keep going.. keep growing" Fall 2023
Practical Experience
Certified Nursing Assistant Student
Completed clinical rotations with hands-on patient care. Interaction with patients and
study under Nurses while being able to watch and participate in procedures. Provided basic patient care by bathing and grooming patients, changing bedding, and assisting in feeding activities. Gathered and documented vital signs and demographic data.
Medi-Gators
The Medi-Gators Virtual shadowing program allowed me as a Pre-Health student to receive the opportunity to learn more about a career of interest, obtain guidance on how to effectively pursue a career, develop a relationship with a trusted mentor, and receive the many other potential benefits of shadowing. It allowed me to shadow over 40 healthcare providers from a wide-array of healthcare professionals (physicians, physician assistants, nurse practioners, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, social workers, etc.), intending to expose students to a wide variety of careers while also providing sessions dedicated on how to approach the professional school application process.