General Information

Name	Ayan
Last Name	Jafri
Nickname	Ayan Jafri

Background

Organization	University of Arizona College of Public Health – Force for Health Intern
Why I am a Force for Health® Member...	I am a Force For Health Member because my family is rooted in medicine and I have a passion to close the gaps in health disparities that affect communities across the globe. I believe that community outreach and staying connected with each other while moving, learning, sharing, and earning is a prime way to make more people a force for health and make the world a healthier and better place.
My inspiration	My parents are my main inspiration as their number one goal in life was always to provide my siblings and I with the best life possible. Being the first members in my entire family to ever emigrate from Pakistan to the United States both at young ages, it was clear that they sought it out early on to make sure my quality of life and opportunity as close to perfect as can be. Not only that, but as they raised me from a baby boy they instilled me with a proper foundation, and the tools necessary so that I may work to achieve a high quality of life. They teach me every day and still continue to impart wisdom on me about the importance of community, growth, empowerment, humbleness, and bringing positivity into this world. I hope that I am able to pass that wisdom on and further inspire others to make this world better.
What would you like people to know about your community?	The community of Tucson is a humble, hidden gem in Southern Arizona full of diverse and hardworking citizens, beautifully unmatched desert scenery, a top 100 nationally ranked university (sorry ASU), and some pretty damn good food if you know where to find it. Three and a half years ago I became the first member of my family to live in Tucson as I sought (and continue to seek) a career in medicine, and I did not know what to expect from this little place. I have learned a lot now, like how Tucson is much bigger than people think, and how there are also many people living in rural areas negatively affected by specific health needs. I hope to team up with the Force For Health Network and work to close the health disparity gaps which unfortunately continue to plague thousands of lives in this wonderful society tucked into the very corner of the Southwestern United States. Being a Force For Health is being a force for good.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

To me, Advancing the DREAM means being selfless, empathetic, and understanding that every person in this world is unique. Studying in the field of public health/medicine, every day we are reminded that minority populations continue to suffer through unnecessary adversity. Being an intern for the Force for Health Network has helped me realize that I do have the power to change people’s lives for the better, and every day I strive to advance the DREAM by serving those populations in need, bridging gaps between societies, and reaching a point of harmony where all people can acquire the potential to live a happy and healthy life.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

I was speaking to Dr. Rob Gillio, medical director and pulmonologist, and CO-Founder of the Force for Health, and he opened my eyes up to how simple it is to make people’s lives better. One thing that really resonated with me was that I can always go out and volunteer, smile and wave at a stranger in the store, write a letter to someone, really anything to just put a smile on someone’s face. I will attempt to accomplish all these things in 2021, and do my part to be a Force for Health and work to bring happiness to those in need.

Ayan Jafri