June Alumni Spotlight with Brandy Reeves
Brandy Reeves, age 25 of Grove City, received an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Promotion at The Ohio State University in 2007, and a BA in communications from Miami University in 2005. She is presently training to be an AASECT-certified sexuality educator. Reeves works as a health education coordinator for Pure Romance in Loveland, Ohio. Her responsibilities include overseeing a college tour program. She travels to colleges around the country and talks to students about sexual health, sexuality and relationships. She also participates in a cancer outreach program that focuses on the relationship between cancer and sexuality.
What do you enjoy about your current job?
I really like that I get to work with so many different people on a daily basis. I also enjoy educating people and providing them with the information that they need. In my area of work, it never gets boring, which is a definite plus! I am constantly on my toes, experiencing new things each day. I have also found that working in the private sector allows for more funding opportunities: If our department has an idea for a program or educational opportunity, we can do it with few problems.
What’s challenging about it?
On the flip side of greater funding opportunities in the private sector, it can sometimes be frustrating in the private field, as not everyone fully understands public health and why it is so important.
Do you have a fond OSU memory to share?
Going to all of the football games, which was an absolute blast, especially since I got to see my brother marching on the field with The Best Damn Band In The Land! It was also a lot of fun having happy hours with my public health friends, and celebrating the end of our quarters together at the Thirsty Scholar.
What public health issues most concern you?
I have always been interested in HIV/AIDS, and while that is not necessarily part of my job responsibilities, I try to stay up-to-date on that area. I also find that I am concerned about individual rights that seem to be taken away each day in terms of people’s health and what they can do with their bodies.
What advice do you have for others interested in pursuing a career in public health?
Do not underestimate the importance of your core classes, especially in Health Behavior-Health Promotion. I was not a big fan of evaluation and thought I would never have to do it - boy was I wrong! It also helps to find what you’re passionate about and to pursue that area.
Anything else?
Go Bucks!
