Dear Future Brianna,
As I write this letter, I’m reflecting on all that I’ve achieved up to this point, and I’m beginning to make plans for how I’ll accomplish my future goals. Although I’m nervous about the future’s uncertainties, I am excited about all of the personal, academic, and professional growth that this summer research fellowship will bring.
I’m looking forward to learning about how notions of the maternal body, medicine, and policy have mutually shaped one another to create the unique public health phenomenon that is the history of breastfeeding in Brazil. I am hoping that this research will add more perspective to my interest in international women’s health policy and public health. I’m also looking forward to establishing a relationship with my research mentor and learn from her personal career experience. I’m hoping that this experience will give me a better idea of how I see myself improving the world’s health in the future.
I’ll be balancing several responsibilities this summer, but I’m confident that by the time you read this letter, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment. One day, you’ll have the opportunity to look back on the summer and see how this experience and the knowledge you gained fit into the larger narrative of how you got where you are.
Sincerely,
Brianna