Home of Di Huang
I chose my lab community, Baltimore, because of its deep connections to public health and innovation. Being at Johns Hopkins has provided me with access to leading experts and research opportunities that are shaping the future of healthcare. My initial impressions of Baltimore were mixed—while the city has its challenges, such as socioeconomic disparities and urban decay, it also has a rich history of resilience and community building. Baltimore is a place where innovation, grit, and creativity blend to create a unique environment for learning and growth.
The community is defined by its historic neighborhoods, institutions like Johns Hopkins, vibrant cultural scenes, and grassroots movements. Places like the Inner Harbor, where I often spend time with friends, and the various neighborhoods reflect the spirit of the city. The people here are passionate, whether they are healthcare professionals, local activists, or artists, and events such as community health fairs and public forums highlight Baltimore’s focus on improving public health and well-being.
These places and people paint a picture of a city striving for livability despite its challenges. Baltimore’s efforts to create healthy habitats and resilient communities are evident in the way public health, education, and grassroots initiatives intersect. Programs that focus on empowering citizens and fostering shared prosperity reflect the city’s ambition to overcome its barriers and create a more equitable future for all.
Community members here express their views about healthy habitats and resilient communities through their engagement in local initiatives, such as urban gardening, public health campaigns, and programs focused on youth and education. There’s a clear understanding that health is holistic, encompassing not only physical well-being but also access to opportunities, safe environments, and a sense of belonging. People in Baltimore love their city’s spirit, its diversity, and the way it brings people together for a common purpose, even in the face of adversity.
However, people also worry about ongoing issues like poverty, crime, and health disparities. These concerns reflect a broader worry about livability, but they also inspire many to work toward meaningful change. My first impressions of Baltimore as a city with both promise and difficulty are deepening. The more I experience the community, the more I appreciate its complexity—its ability to confront harsh realities while fostering hope and resilience.
As I continue to explore Baltimore, I realize that I will miss this city after I leave. It has taught me the importance of community-driven innovation, and its people have shown me how passionate individuals can drive real change. Baltimore’s lessons will stay with me, especially its balance of challenges and triumphs, as I continue my journey in public health and rehabilitation.
The factors fostering livable communities—sustainable habitat, healthy people, cohesive communities, and shared prosperity—are all present in Baltimore, even if imperfectly. This city has shown me that no place is without its struggles, but it is how people come together to address those struggles that define its true livability.