‘We’re Doing What We Can with the Time That We Have’.

Morgan Simko Health Policy and Law

Breakfast: a homemade smoothie

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Hobbies: I love running, exercising, traveling, and staying involved on campus as a part-time student!

What are you working on to improve the health of your community?

I volunteer with a local chapter of Indivisible, the political activism organization that was formed by former Obama staffers in response to the 2016 election. The projects we work on vary by member interest, but we mostly focus on attending events in Greater Boston, phone banking for policy issues, postcard writing to constituents or our elected officials, and building a network of city and statewide activists. I’ve been a member of Indivisible Somerville for two years and have been on the Steering Committee for 10 months. There’s nothing quite like doing work I’m passionate about with activists who have become my friends.

What led you to be interested in this work? 

Shortly after the first Women’s March, I visited the march’s website, and it had a list of 10 ways to continue the energy that was created on that day. On the list was the suggestion to join a local activism organization. I found Indivisible shortly after that, and now it’s an extremely important part of my life.

What is it about this work that relates to public health?

We have two mantras in our chapter. The first is: we will give folks the tools they need to be the activists they want to be. For us, it’s about finding what someone loves doing—whether it’s website design or knocking on people’s doors—and guiding them to a place where they can do that work. I think this is applicable to public health because as professionals in the field, we should be meeting our communities where they are. Our second mantra is: we’re doing what we can with the time that we have. This is so important, especially for public health students and activists who are constantly on the go. I remind myself to focus on the big picture and to make sure that I don’t lose sight of why we’re doing the work we do.

How has working with Indivisible impacted your time at SPH?

It has helped bring the course material at SPH to life, particularly the conversations we have in class about policy change, advocacy work, and writing effective op-eds. Conversely, SPH has impacted my time at Indivisible Somerville. I am learning practical skills in the classroom, specifically about reframing policy issues, that I hope to implement in our future projects.

Do you have advice for any students interested in getting involved in this kind of work?

I would encourage people not to be afraid of jumping out of their comfort zone. I have met so many incredible people in politics and folks in surrounding communities who inspire me, humble me, and challenge me to continue learning. Had I not hopped on a bus one day to head from Dorchester to Somerville to attend my first meeting, I would have missed a huge opportunity for growth and self-fulfillment.

—Mallory Bersi