Final Reflection

This health promotion course assisted me in gaining valuable insight into planning and developing projects. It helped me to make a difference in my healthcare community in massage therapy by focusing on Indigenous health to create changes in educational planning and advocate for changes for inclusivity.

At the beginning of the course, I was excited to learn alongside my peers. As I navigated through the information and theories, I quickly realized that my chosen topic would be a focus throughout the term. I needed to narrow my focus and maintain a positive outlook.

Throughout the course, there were moments when I felt encouraged and engaged, particularly when it came to preparing presentations and creating projects through art. However, there were also times when I felt discouraged by the complexity of the process. Despite this, I kept the bigger picture in mind for the final assignment. The sense of community and online engagement was encouraging. Reading my peers' mid-term check-ins reassured me that I was not alone in facing challenges with the heavy reading material while trying to stay on top of weekly posts, responses, and project planning.

During the week dedicated to logic models, I was impressed by how effectively this visual tool helped me understand the bigger picture. It motivated me to set priority goals and plan initiatives, as well as develop short- and long-term goals throughout the process. I am also grateful to a classmate who created a template that was helpful for all of us.

A key theme I have learned in health promotion is that everything takes time. Progress comes from taking small steps toward solutions, working together in communities, networking, and collaborating. Many of our goals aim to create safety, reduce chronic diseases, and provide educational opportunities in equity by addressing social, political, and economic determinants.