From Dream to Dialogue: Accepted as an Aspen Ideas Fellow!
From Dream to Dialogue: Accepted as an Aspen Ideas Fellow!
The email arrived on a Tuesday afternoon, nestled amongst the usual work updates and social media notifications. But this one was different. The subject line, "Congratulations! Aspen Institute Ideas Fellow," sent a jolt of excitement through me. I nearly choked on my iced matcha latte.
My heart hammered in my chest as I clicked it open, and there it was, in black and white: I had been selected for the 2024 Aspen Institute Ideas Health Fellowship!
For those unfamiliar, the Aspen Ideas Fellowship is a prestigious program that gathers a diverse group of rising leaders from across the country in different industries like health and climate change. Over a series of seminars, fellows will engage in intensive discussions on critical issues facing our society related to health. It's a chance to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and forge connections with a remarkable community.
Honestly, becoming an Aspen Ideas Health Fellow felt like a far-off dream. The program attracts some of the brightest minds from a vast array of fields. But there I was, returning to the public health sector after a 4-year hiatus where I focused on health education, staring at my acceptance letter with a mixture of disbelief and exhilaration. A myriad of emotions flooded me; gratitude to my colleague who nominated me, curiosity as I thought about what ideas I wanted to see come to fruition by the end of the program, and nervousness as I thought about the other esteemed fellows I was going to meet.
This isn't just about the recognition, though. It's about the opportunity to delve into complex issues with a group of passionate individuals. I'm particularly interested in the new body of work in my portfolio that examines the intersection of social determinants of health against the social impact of federal benefits and entitlement programs. I believe the open dialogue fostered by the Aspen Institute can lead to innovative solutions and a more collaborative approach to tackling these challenges.
Being a mom and community advocate, I cherish the value of open discussion and diverse perspectives. The Aspen Ideas Fellowship embodies this spirit, and I'm eager to contribute my own voice to the conversation. I'm also incredibly curious to learn from the experiences and insights of my fellow participants.
For me, this fellowship isn't just an honor; it's a call to action. It's a chance to step outside my comfort zone, explore new ideas, and become a more effective leader in my community and in the public health sector. I can't wait to embark on this incredible journey with the Aspen Institute in June, and I'll be sure to share my experiences here as I go.
In the meantime, if you're even considering applying for the Aspen Ideas Fellowship, I urge you to do it. Don't be discouraged by the prestige – this program is for those who are passionate about making a difference. So take a leap of faith, put yourself out there, and who knows, you might just see that acceptance email arrive in your inbox too! Moreover, once I’m officially an alumni, I’m happy to nominate you.
Ar’Sheill Monsanto