Chrissy & Clarissa – COVID-19 Fieldwork Experience
Names:
Clarissa Angeloff and Chrissy Teague
Major:
Clarissa: Public Health, with a concentration in Community Health
Chrissy: Public Health, with a concentration in Community Health
Hobbies & Interests:
Clarissa: Yoga, Baking, Starbucks, Spending time with friends and family
Chrissy: I enjoy almost anything outdoors, being in the company of friends and family, and love my cat Clover.
Do you have any quotes or words to live by?
Clarissa: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” – Ghandi
Chrissy: Have no regrets in life, just love and happiness.
What brought you to ECU?
Clarissa: As soon as I toured ECU , I knew I was meant to be here. The people were so welcoming and had so much Pirate Pride. ECU fits my personality, and my goals, so there was no question where I belonged!
Chrissy: The positive energy from the community and the University itself, made me want to attend school at ECU. I knew that the environment would allow my skills and academic abilities to blossom.
Describe your experience working within contact tracing?
Clarissa: Working with contact tracing has been such a fulfilling experience so far. Kelli [Russell] has done such a great job of teaching Chrissy and I the “ins-and-outs” of everything and it feels good knowing that my internship is serving the ECU community.
Chrissy: My experience within contact tracing has been unique to say the least. There have been tons of turns and curves in the road but the main point is that we remained on the road. Adaptation is vital during COVID-19, and I am glad I was able to aid in stopping the spread on campus and in Greenville.
What led you to working in this setting?
Clarissa: Before the pandemic, I was sitting in a discussion panel, where interns from the previous semester were telling their experiences. I remember one girl was talking about her internship, and all the things she was working on with Kelli Russell. I had heard so many great things about her from her students, and knew my goal was to work in the department, so I reached out to Kelli for the opportunity, interviewed, and received the spot!
Chrissy: As part of my degree we have to complete an internship, and I knew I wanted to earn the one with Kelli Russell. After revising resumes and cover letters, I sent them out to various organizations. They reached out to set up interviews, including Kelli, once she offered me the one working as a tracer I accepted. I knew that the experience I would gain from working with Kelli and East Carolina would benefit me and aid me in advancing and improving necessary skills for the workplace.
What is your favorite part about your experience thus far?
Clarissa: I would have to say my favorite part is not having homework! It is very nice to be able to devote yourself during the day, and have time to take care of things after work. It definitely is taking some getting used too, but is not something I miss!
Chrissy: I really enjoy interacting with the faculty throughout the campus. The tracing office has so many faculty that come in for different shifts and work as case investigators. It makes me happy to hear that the faculty enjoy where they work and what they are doing here at East Carolina University.
What is your favorite aspect of the public health program?
Clarissa: My favorite aspect is the professors and staff. They have a way of making you feel so special, and you can tell they truly care. I don’t think I would have been as successful in my time here, without their knowledge, support and guidance.
Chrissy: My favorite aspect is the people! The environment that the school, students, and faculty create makes you WANT to come to school and succeed. They have built a positive environment that creates thriving, generous, and future successful alumni.
Do you have any advice to incoming public health students?
Clarissa: My advice would be to always speak and show you are paying attention in classes. Professors talk to one another, and you never know if the professor of the class you fool-around in, is speaking to the professor you applied to do research for. In the end, little things make the biggest difference, so do whatever things you can to show you’re taking that extra step.
Chrissy: My advice would be to take advantage of all the clubs, organizations, study groups, and even research! It aids a lot in keeping a positive attitude and creating, developing, and building lasting relationships with peers. Don’t forget your community, make time to go be apart of the bigger picture, volunteer work is always appreciated.