Reflections on Becoming a Part of WSUV
by Sheela Choppola

"How can you ignore your socialization to class and race? Why are you silent when we discuss racism?" With those questions my friend and classmate jarred me out of my world of ignorant bliss and avoidance, forcing me to confront the issues that I cared about but was indeed too overwhelmed to address.

This awakening occurred during the second year of my doctoral studies at the University of Washington. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in children and adolescents, I had started my doctoral program hoping to develop an intervention for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

During my second year I made the switch to concentrate my doctoral research on issues of social justice and health care. My research topic ended up being the 1968 Seattle Free Clinic Movement. I examined the movement, the trajectory of the development of its activists, and the impact the movement had on improving the health of the most vulnerable populations in Seattle.

While there are many places I could have chosen to work, WSUV was a good choice as the campus espouses a culture that fosters social and environmental justice. Having been raised in both America and India, it is also energizing to be on a campus that values diversity. I will be teaching courses in psychiatric/mental health nursing and health policy and I also feel fortunate to be in a department with colleagues who are also passionate about reducing health disparities and increasing diversity. Although the journey has just begun, I look forward to the possibilities ahead at WSUV.