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Edith Mejia
BS in Health Services Administration
Why did you decide to join the BS in Health Services Administration program?
I decided to join the BS in Health Services Administration program after working for a healthcare insurance company. My experience working as a healthcare enrollment specialist allowed me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and be exposed to so many facets of healthcare.
Why did you choose to continue your education online at CUNY SPS?
I chose to continue my education online because I needed a school flexible enough to match my work schedule. After doing my research I chose CUNY SPS because of its good reputation.
What was your motivation for returning to school for your bachelor’s degree?
Earning my bachelor’s degree has been a long-time dream of mine. My kids are older now and I have fewer responsibilities, so I felt that it was the right time since I can focus on my school and work.
Which skills have you acquired during your time at CUNY SPS that you believe will help you excel in the health services administration field?
While attending CUNY SPS, I have acquired some skills that will help me excel in the health services administration field. For example, writing professional emails, business communications, project management organization, analysis, medical terminology, and doing formal presentations through PowerPoint.
Can you talk about the connections/relationships you formed with other CUNY SPS students?
I formed a close relationship with a classmate and we have been friends ever since, helping each other through our courses.
In which ways have you grown as a result of your studies at CUNY SPS?
Before coming to CUNY SPS, I had very little knowledge of the history of healthcare. After taking some of the courses, I gained a better understanding of what the healthcare system in the U.S. entails. For example, the importance of safety and privacy of patient health records and the impact on the patient when a privacy breach occurs. I also learned that to be an effective leader, I would need to lead by example, respect everyone on my team, encourage all opinions, and transmit the vision and mission of my employer to each member of my team.
What kind of impact do you think your degree will have on your career/life?
Acquiring my degree in health services administration is essential to my life because I would like to work at a nursing home or a clinic as a healthcare administrator and be successful in my career. This is a dream that I have had for a long time and it is my greatest goal this year. The impact that I will have on my daughters, family, and friends is also important to me as they have seen me struggle to achieve this goal. Most importantly, my daughters will learn that having a college education is as important as having experience in a field. The two come hand in hand. I hope that my perseverance to earn a college degree will teach my daughters and those who are part of my life the lesson that everything is possible as long as you keep that dream alive.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering an online program?
My advice to someone who wants to take an online program is to stay focused on getting the degree and to work hard towards your goal. Online learning requires skills such as discipline, time management, and organization. The advantage of going to school online is the flexibility to work at our own time, but it also requires meeting deadlines for homework and projects.
What does your future look like after CUNY SPS?
After I graduate from CUNY SPS, I would like to pursue my MS in Health Information Management. My goal is to continue learning about the cycle of the healthcare system, the electronic health system, and ways to improve the quality of patient care.