Kelsey Tipton
During the time that has passed since my last report I have been focusing my attention on the Tennessee Radon project. As I mentioned before I really have become interested in this particular project. Through my contacts I have been able to acquire short term radon tests to distribute throughout the community. Thus far I have received scores on 15 of the 20 test kits I have sent out. A safe radon rating for your home under is 4 pCi/L, so far ever test I have gotten back has scored under “1” pCi/L which is great! It has been rewarding to be able to go into the community and pass out the short term radon test not only because I can get data to record, but also because I can talk with the participants and help them to understand the major affects radon can have on their health. I feel like I am truly making a difference in some of these peoples’ lives and helping them understand what could be happening in their home is an eye opening experience for most.
Now that we are more than halfway through with the field experience semester the projects I have been working on are nearing completion. The only projects left are wrapping up of the data collected with TN radon, TV lobby, and Smokeout Day (which is Nov. 15). Looking back and seeing how far I have come since day one of my internship is really unbelievable. At the start of my internship I thought it would drag on forever and that I would get nothing accomplished. Now I can say that I was completely wrong, I have worked on numerous projects that not only helped me to complete my curriculum but also helped the community in one way or another and I feel like time has flown by and that I need more.
The date of our final presentation, when we show all that we have worked on, is approaching fast, and I can not be more excited and nervous all at the same time. I can not wait to show my fellow classmates and mentors all that has been done during my internship, but also to show them what a need there is in rural healthcare and communities.