Final Reflection Essay
This course on women’s health in contemporary American society has been more than just a
class for me; it’s been a journey of discovery, growth, and insight into an area of health that I
hadn’t explored deeply before. Over the past 14 weeks, I’ve gained a better understanding of the
unique challenges women face in health and wellness, and I’ve also learned how these lessons
can apply to my own life and the people around me. From mental wellness to chronic disease
prevention, this course has opened my eyes to the importance of proactive and inclusive
approaches to health.
What I Learned
One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of understanding health as a holistic
concept. Before this class, I hadn’t given much thought to how mental, physical, and social
factors intertwine to shape overall well-being. The lessons on mental and emotional wellness, in
particular, helped me see how issues like stress and anxiety can have far-reaching effects on
physical health. It also encouraged me to reflect on my own habits and recognize areas where I
could improve my stress management techniques.
Another key takeaway was learning about the most common health issues affecting women,
including cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. I was surprised to learn how
prevalent these conditions are and how much they can be mitigated with lifestyle choices like
proper nutrition, regular exercise, and early detection through screenings. These insights have
inspired me to think more critically about my own health and how I can support the women in
my life to take care of theirs.
Most Useful Lessons
The lesson I found most valuable was creating a plan for healthy behavior change. I wasn’t sure
how impactful such a plan would be at first, but it turned out to be an incredibly practical tool.
For my project, I focused on improving my daily physical activity by incorporating consistent
exercise into my routine. Setting clear goals and tracking my progress made the process feel
achievable, and I’ve continued these habits long after completing the assignment. This
experience showed me the power of incremental change and self-discipline.
Another standout moment was the module on relationships and sexual wellness. These lessons
emphasized the importance of open communication, consent, and understanding in relationships.
They also highlighted how these elements contribute to overall health and well-being. Hearing
perspectives from classmates during discussions made me realize how differently these topics
can be approached depending on one’s background and experiences. It also reinforced the
importance of creating spaces where honest conversations can happen.
Course Activities and Interactions
The variety of activities and assignments in this course made it engaging and meaningful.
Attending an on-campus seminar on mental health resources for women was a particularly
impactful experience. It was eye-opening to see the range of support systems available and how
important it is to make these resources accessible to everyone.
Watching films like Miss Representation sparked some of the most memorable discussions. The
film’s exploration of how women are portrayed in the media challenged me to think critically
about societal norms and their impact on self-esteem and mental health. The discussions that
followed were enriched by classmates’ unique perspectives, and these exchanges broadened my
understanding of the topic.
The discussion boards were another highlight. They provided a platform for exchanging ideas
and reflecting on readings, films, and lectures. I appreciated how the discussions allowed for
respectful debate on sensitive topics, helping me see issues from different angles. It was through
these interactions that I realized the power of learning in a collaborative environment.
Would I Recommend This Course?
Without hesitation, I would recommend this course to others. It’s not just about women’s
health—it’s about understanding the broader context of health and wellness in society. The
topics covered are relevant to everyone, and the lessons learned can be applied to improve not
only personal health but also how we support those around us. The skills developed, such as
critical thinking and behavior change planning, are universally valuable and will serve students
in any field of study or career path.
Conclusion
Looking back, this course has been a transformative experience. It has taught me how to
approach health more thoughtfully and holistically, and it has given me the tools to make
meaningful changes in my life. Whether it was learning about chronic disease prevention, mental
wellness, or the importance of healthy relationships, each lesson has left a lasting impression.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have taken this class and look forward to applying what I’ve
learned to create a healthier, more balanced life.
