I was raised in the northern part of Georgia with a strict yet loving single mother who taught me and my younger brother the importance of service to those in need. In several ways, my story is not the same as many others who grew up in similar situations. Beyond my mother’s example, I was surrounded by other strong female role models who were driven to impact their communities by showing compassion towards the needs of others.
My grandmother is a medical health professional who often tells me stories of patients who suffer from an array of physical and emotional symptoms, regretting that she can only “save” a few. My aunt’s influence in my life also ensured that I grew up with an open-minded view of the world and an acceptance for people who are different from me. I was homeschooled, so my family had the freedom to develop lesson plans that would turn me into a woman of compassion, honesty, service, and loyalty.
When I was a sophomore in college, I learned about the BioPsychoSocial (BPS) model, a theory that health is more than just a medical state. Rather, it is a culmination of three important aspects of life that dictate overall wellness. The model’s biological sphere requires individuals to be physically and clinically healthy in order to live comfortable lives. The mental health sphere addresses psychological, emotional, and intellectual functioning. Finally, the social sphere seeks to define the need for healthy relationships that challenge and nurture individuals. If any one of these intersecting spheres is lacking or unhealthy, the person is not living to their full potential. Consequently, their behavior has a ripple effect on their family, community, and ultimately the world. During my internship with the Exchange Club Family Resource Center, I used the BPS model to identify the needs of families living in Floyd County. The Center’s purpose is