Laura Selby ’11 discovered a new passion for public health and a deep compassion for others during a spring break trip with Urban Initiative. This ministry strives to develop a Christ-centered response to urban issues through a week-long immersion in a city. Laura served as the travel coordinator during her senior year, organizing outreach trips to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. These experiences opened her eyes to the intersection of public health and the realities of homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, educational disparities and racism. Her work with Urban Initiative significantly influenced her career path as a fellow in the infectious disease program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Diseases often stem from complex, urban issues, and her time with Urban Initiative deepened her understanding of her patients’ diverse backgrounds and helps her engage them with compassion and empathy. ' 1 Column Content Background Color White Ali...