General Information

Name	Hailey
Last Name	Chong
Nickname	haileychong

Background

Organization	The University of Virginia
Professional Title	First-year undergraduate
Bio and Background	I am a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Virginia. I intend to major in data science with a minor in computer science. I personally am very interested in User Experience/User Interface design as well as data visualization. I am currently a member of the Data Science and Analytics club at the university, which has offered me the opportunity to work with a group to utilize our knowledge to help forward the Force for Health cause. Outside of school, I enjoy music and learning instruments. Throughout middle and high school, I played the cello. My fondest memories associated with the instrument are from playing in the school theatre’s pit orchestra. Furthermore, in my senior year of high school, I picked up the electric bass and guitar. I played the bass in the school’s jazz band and in a jazz band with friends.
Why I am a Force for Health® Member...	I was originally assigned to this network with a group through my university’s data science and analytics club. Given the opportunity to expand my understanding and knowledge of data science through a real-life application, I was eager to participate. My role in the network is providing assistance more on the back-end, behind the scenes of the network. Upon learning more about a Force for Health, I am able to further support my reasoning as to why I have chosen to be a member. I find the network’s cause to be inspiring as someone who has witnessed the health complications that develop as one ages through my parents and relatives.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	As someone who strives to live a more active life in an age of technology, I plan on utilizing the Force for Health Network Tools to track my workouts and work towards gaining a larger understanding of the health risk factors around me.
My inspiration	My mother is my biggest inspiration due to the confidence, intelligence, and humor she has taught me throughout my childhood.
Location	I am based in the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I would consider my community to be like-minded individuals interested in STEM fields that find importance in being able to live both a career-oriented life and a personal, happiness oriented life.
What would you like people to know about your community?	The University of Virginia is a very diverse community that has a lot to offer in many ways.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	I have experienced health complications in my feet throughout my whole life, making it hard for me to enjoy an active life without constant pain. It was hard understanding why all the other kids around me could play outside for long periods of time without pain but I could not.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	Without the motivation of others within one’s community, it becomes easy to lose track of goals. Personally, it is hard for me to stay consistent staying active, and being a part of my community helps keep me accountable.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	UVA has a fairly active community demonstrated by the large amount of student athletes that attend the school. Furthermore, the university offers free admission with tuition to a large, well-maintained, Aquatic and Fitness center to all students that is open until 12am everyday.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	In an age of technology, a large majority of the population here at UVA spends a large chunk of their time sitting at a desk studying. For example, during finals week the gyms are nearly empty due to the lack of time students have to spend towards anything besides studying. Furthermore, alongside the sedentary life we have transitioned to live in, the food offered by the university lacks necessary vegetables and essential minerals/vitamins that are needed to maintain a healthy gut/overall health.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	Introducing Force for Health to those around me!

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

As a member of a minority myself, I am aware that certain minorities are at higher risk for developing varying health complications. Personally, I have witnessed firsthand a multitude of family members develop type-2 diabetes. Helping advance the DREAM in Dr. King’s legacy means taking every opportunity to help those around me, regardless of race or any other defining factor. To me, true equality and equity would require equal opportunities given to everyone for everything, which is unattainable in our current society. Advancing the DREAM would mean utilizing the knowledge and connections I have gained from opportunities to then support others with lesser opportunities.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

My action will be doing the best I can to improve myself to better support those around me with lesser opportunities.

haileychong