MSMS Connects recently caught up with alumnus Mickel Sandifer, who graduated from MSMS in 2017.
Why did you choose MSMS?
I decided to attend MSMS to experience a greater challenge than was being provided at my homeschool. I also wanted to have access to better resources and be surrounded by more like-minded individuals like myself.
How would you describe your time at MSMS?
Sensational. I had a great time here. I met so many great people, and some of whom I stay connected with to this day. My time at MSMS really helped mold me into the person I am today.
Do you think MSMS helped prepare you for your future academic endeavors?
Most definitely. Being challenged at MSMS helped me transition into college because a lot of the entry level courses I took were already familiar to me. Not to mention, living in the dorm space at MSMS helped me learn how to be more responsible. I noticed a gap between my peers and me because I was comfortable as a freshman. I already knew what it was like living away from home and all the responsibilities that came with it.
MSMS also helped me learn how to be comfortable in academic and social spaces with those who have different perspectives from me. Back home, I was used to being the smartest person in the room, and the one who everyone came to when they needed help. So, to transition into an environment where a lot of that burden was released, I learned how to ask for help from others and I realized I do not have to know everything, and that is O.K.
What university are you currently attending?
After receiving my bachelor’s at Oberlin College, I recently enrolled in the Master of Public Health Program at Morehouse School of Medicine.
What inspired you to pursue your master’s?
I want to go into public health to address the health disparities I have seen all my life growing up, specifically in African American and Black communities. African American populations have a distrust with healthcare systems in general, and I want to try to bridge the gap between Black communities and hospitals.
After I finish my master’s, I eventually want to come back and contribute to healthcare and education in Mississippi any way I can.