To kick off the academic year, 78 freshman Global Public Health Scholars participated in Service Day at Second Chance in Baltimore.
The Service Day tradition gives incoming Scholars students a way to build community with their peers while being in service to the community. For Global Public Health Scholars, it is one of the first opportunities as Maryland students where they can identify how the so-called "social determinants" of health - things like poverty, access to education and safe neighborhoods - play out in people's lives.
By working with Second Chance, an organization whose mission is to give “people, materials and the environment” a new life, students could experience a real life social enterprise that works to improve lives, and the environment, in the Baltimore region. Second Chance hires people who were formerly incarcerated, drug-addicted, or otherwise faced barriers to employment who work to deconstruct old buildings and homes and salvage usable materials for public reuse.
“Second Chance helped me realize that not everything needs to be thrown away. Most times, things and or people just need help or guidance to either be refreshed or back on course. I am glad that organizations like Second Chance exist because it shows that assistance—whether it be mental or physical—goes a long way.”
“I think Second Chance helped me realize that not everything needs to be thrown away,” said Nana GK, a freshman who attended the event. “Most times, things and or people just need help or guidance to either be refreshed or back on course. I am glad that organizations like Second Chance exist because it shows that assistance—whether it be mental or physical—goes a long way.”
Over the course of the day, the scholars helped de-nail around 175 pieces of lumber, measure about 200 doors and sort through and price around 7,000 books.
GPH specifically chooses to work with Second Chance because its work provides ample opportunity to discuss social determinants of health, including racism and discrimination, as well as inequitable access to education and employment opportunities, safe housing, nutritious foods and other factors.
“Second Chance was an amazing opportunity to begin my journey into the Global Public Health Scholars program as it allowed me to collaborate with my peers to discuss some current public health concerns all while giving back to our community,” said freshman Chloe Marlette. “I also learned that it is never too late to make a change in your life.”
