Rising above your challenges
Graduate Profile: Deborah Smyles
From community college to Governors State University (GovState), Deborah Smyles joined the Dual Degree Program (DDP) to follow her passion of teaching health informatics.
While Deborah is anticipating graduating this year with her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her educational journey isn't over yet. She plans to continue on to earn her master's degree at GovState, too.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to Governors State University?
Deborah: I attended Prairie State and participated in the Dual Degree Program/Tuition. When I was at Prairie State, I had always planned to get a bachelor's degree; when I talked to advisor Sharita, I liked the idea of working towards my bachelor's while also working toward my associate degree. I aimed to get my RN and then pursue my BSN at GovState. However, I decided to change to health informatics. I spoke to Sharita, who helped me navigate the changes.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with?
Deborah: DDP, Tau Sigma, NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success), SHCMA (Student Healthcare Management Association) (Vice-President, 2023-2024), TRI- ALPHA, Alpha Lota Sigma, Student work- undergraduate advising.
I wanted to be involved in an organization that would connect to the field of work I would be working in, so joining SHCMA was an important step. Because the organization had been inactive, I wanted to be a part of the rebuilding, and when Professor Kimberly Egizio asked students to run for office, I did, and I was voted vice president. I was shocked. I am happy to be a part of rebuilding SHCMA for future students.
GovState Newsroom: What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Deborah: Rise Up by Andra Day. I had to overcome obstacles to be at this point, but no matter what I was going through, I would keep going because I would hold on to hope and continue to rise each day despite those obstacles, which is what the lyrics to this song remind me.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Deborah: I will return to Governors State to get my master’s in Health Informatics. I would like to work in a hospital and then teach health informatics to make an impact on people of color and women in STEM.
Health informatics has become an essential part of healthcare to improve outcomes and healthcare delivery to patients. I want to improve health services for people who need better access to care because health informatics studies and pursues the essential uses of biomedical data, knowledge for scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and decision-making, motivated to improve patient health.
I also want to become a professor and teach health informatics; we need more women and people of color working in STEM.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Deborah: Governors State is a school that cares about the success of its students; it is essential to utilize the services and connect with your advisor.