Gorrety Parmu

 

Hometown: Nebbi, Uganda

 

Major: Public Health

 

Education Level: Post-Baccalaureate

 

Languages: English, Alur, Luganda, Acholi

 

Hobbies: Singing, meeting new friends, hanging out with friends, adventure

 

Biography: Hailing from a small district in the Northern part of Uganda, my stay in the US and the opportunity to study at Portland State University (PSU) is such a privilege that I never take for granted, let alone being a member of the ICSP. I have grown tremendously as person in just the two years. ICSP and the Mentoring Program have made my time even more fruitful than I ever thought. They gave me a platform to share my culture, dreams and ambitions among talented young men and women from all around the world. Now more than ever, William Clinton’s quote “If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.” makes more sense. And for that I am forever grateful!

 

Coming from a developing area where education, especially “girl child education” has been a challenge for decades, and with numerous health issues that could otherwise be prevented, I intend to use my degree in helping others like me get the education they deserve and engage vigorously in community empowerment, health education and promotion. After my graduation, I will be working with an international not-for- profit organization through which we can reach a greater section of the underprivileged population and also have the capacity to advocate for more equal and better health policies at the national level. This is an ultimate goal that I don’t intend to achieve alone. But like Mother Teresa said “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

 

I believe that those who have strived to better the world are not by any chance extra ordinary people, but rather ordinary people, who have put the wellbeing of humanity above themselves, served selflessly and tirelessly, surpassed numerous setbacks, and clung onto what they believed in. With respect, dedication and teamwork we can change our stories and those of others around us.