Why I Choose Health: Lyme Disease & The Virtual Health Academy

While navigating my freshman year at Temple University, I came down with what felt like a very odd flu. This flu, however, had some bizarre symptoms, like incredibly stiff joints. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and am lucky it happened relatively quickly. It’s very common for a diagnosis to take a prolonged period, as only 25% of people diagnosed have a visible tick bite and most symptoms mirror other common illnesses. Symptoms I experienced included flu-like symptoms, arthritis, dizziness, brain fog and the anxiety that came with missing many days of class. My symptoms lasted a grueling six months.

That challenging season of my life quickly shifted health and wellness to be one of my biggest passions in my day-to-day life.

Then came another series of unpredictable events: COVID-19. Being a college student during this time was especially bleak and confusing. Until one day in early summer 2020, an email from Publicis Health Early Careers Team announcing the Virtual Health Academy landed in my inbox. The Academy opened my eyes to healthcare advertising. I had the opportunity to connect my passion for health and my business education. I spoke with so many talented individuals across various capabilities and Publicis agencies. Unanimously, each person was incredibly welcoming and generous with the knowledge shared with me. Ultimately, it was these genuine people that left me crossing my fingers and hoping for a full-time opportunity post-graduation.

In another serendipitous turn of events, I received my PHM offer letter the day I walked for graduation! I have had such a great experience working as an Associate Media Planner thus far, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone in person one day!

This is why I chose health!

Connect with Val on LinkedIn.

For the latest news and updates, follow PHM on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Questions? Thoughts? Ideas? Contact us.