YOUNG LEADERS WHO WILL SHAPE HISTORY
Liza Novogrodsky
Teachers College, Columbia University
I am currently an Ed.D. student at Teachers College, Columbia University, studying towards a degree in health education. The field of preventive medicine is an often untapped resource that can serve to increase the life span, but more than that, the quality of years lived. Metabolic disorders are often rooted in behaviors, starting as early as childhood, which include a sedentary lifestyle and over-consumption of processed foods. While we are often left with conflicting research results with respect to benefits/risks of certain foods, the jury seems to be out on the age old idea of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption to decrease cancer risk and improve general health.
I hope to continue to research the area of chronic disease prevention, and to figure out the best way to encourage individuals, especially youth, to get on a healthy life track.
Challenges: Figuring out just what it was I wanted to do with my future. I’ve explored many different career paths, including beginning a major in mathematics, and later attaining a degree in industrial psychology. One area I’ve always enjoyed is writing, and learned a great deal and met wonderful people, while working at Education Update. Dr. Pola Rosen, who is strongly dedicated to education and youth, has been an inspiration. It was during my time at the paper that I developed an interest in health education and hope to one day publish articles on the subject. My husband, Alex, then fiancée, was perpetually a tremendous support, encouraging me to explore and further develop my talents and interests.
Mentors: Family members: my father fostered a love of classical music and literature while my mother revealed the ins and outs of mathematics. My grandparents expanded on the wonderful world of Jewish culture; I still vividly recall the engaging biblical stories recounted on Friday nights by my grandfather, such as Joseph and his many colored coat. The field of philosophy, how to uncover the nature of reality, was opened for me by my great-uncle.
I’ve taken courses with many interesting professors; two who particularly stand out are Dr. Benzion Chanowitz of Brooklyn College, who has incredibly innovative approaches to the field of social and organizational psychology. At Teachers College, I’ve enjoyed the courses of Dr. Charles Basch who made the topics of epidemiology and research methods spring to life.
Having recently given birth to a daughter, I hope she one day realizes the wonders there are to discover, the paths opened by scientists, mathematicians and philosophers, and paths she too can hopefully one day open.
Advice: Leave the candle burning, keep reading, even when it’s not for homework, whether you have found your chosen field or whether you are just beginning to look. There are always treasures to find in good books.#
