Studying Public Health and Health Promotion at RGU

After working as a pharmacist in Ghana, Adanna Blessing chose to move to Aberdeen to study a master’s in Public Health and Health Promotion to be better equipped to advocate for women and children’s health. She shares her experience as a student, from the learning environment and volunteering opportunities to the new things she discovered in Aberdeen.

A bit about me and my career

RGU has been a place of new beginnings for me — moving to a new country, meeting new people, and trying things I never thought I would.

My name is Adanna Blessing Okonkwo, and I like to think of myself as a paradox — both boring and interesting at the same time. Boring because I enjoy my own company and the quiet days, but interesting because once I’m with my people, I’m a social butterfly! I’m Nigerian by blood but Ghanaian at heart, having lived most of my life in Ghana. I’m a pharmacist by profession, with experience working in community pharmacies, sales, and marketing back home.

I chose to study MSc Public Health and Health Promotion at RGU because of a deep passion for advocating for women and children’s health. During my pharmacy career, I realised I wanted to contribute more to improving health outcomes — especially for women and children. I started researching if there were pharmacy specialties in that area, but I couldn’t find what I was looking for in the way I envisioned it. Thankfully, I was directed to public health by great people, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

My experience studying at RGU

The highlight of my degree has been how much my perspective on healthcare has broadened. I’ve learned about how healthcare systems work in first-world countries; inspiring me to one day contribute to improving health systems back home. One thing that really stood out to me was the concept of collective leadership — the idea that communities thrive when everyone is involved in decision-making. I also discovered an interest in project management during my course, which I’m excited to explore further in my career.

Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Denis Law Legacy Trust and HALLA Breakfast Club, both of which gave me first-hand experience in community health initiatives and reinforced my commitment to public health advocacy.

Studying in Aberdeen has been a lovely experience. RGU genuinely cares about its students — from wellbeing services to career counselling, study skills sessions, and very supportive lecturers who genuinely want you to succeed. The city itself is calm and friendly — perfect for studying. I’ve found myself doing things I never thought I would, like ice skating for the first time (luckily, I didn’t fall) and starting my fitness journey at the RGU gym with my free student membership. I also enjoy walking by the River Dee or Aberdeen beach during my free time.

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends. I am truly grateful for them.

Looking towards the future

This course has set the foundation for my career in public health. I’m eager to work on projects that empower women to take control of their health while combining public health knowledge with project management skills. The journey is still unfolding, but I’m excited to take bold steps towards becoming a Global Health Advocate — one project at a time.