On Tuesday, October 14th, 21 Health Science students participated in an Engagement Day hosted by the College of Health & Human Services, otherwise known as CHHS. This event was held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and began right on time at 10 o’clock. This event allowed students to explore various facilities within health science through presentations and hands-on activities and games.

The day started at Veterans Hall Lawn, where students and teachers were greeted by Wes Porter, CHHS Youth Field Trip Coordinator, along with a UNCW alumni and current student. Here, the students were provided with an overview of the schedule, as well as what to expect during the day. Following the introduction, students moved to McNeil Hall, where they listened to Gabby Pike, the Interim Manager of the Simulation Learning Center. Pike taught students how technology is used in healthcare training. Starting in the first simulation room, students were taught about birthing mannequins. These mannequins can provide responses to nursing students to allow them to get a taste of the real world before working on actual patients. 

Students then moved onto the second simulation room. Here, students explored ways that VR headsets are being used at UNCW in the health science field. The lecture demonstrated how virtual reality can create realistic scenarios that students can use to practice essential healthcare skills, such as administering medicine to a patient. Another feature of using virtual reality in a classroom is that professors are able to watch their students performance through the VR system, which can allow students to receive almost immediate feedback on their performance. 

Following both simulation rooms, students made their way back to Veterans Hall, where they received an introduction to Healthful Living and Fitness Education from Dr. Amelia Huelskamp. This experience allowed students a break from traditional classroom procedures and allowed them to participate in hands-on activities that allowed them to get a taste of what it is like to promote and teach fitness education, including TRX suspension training and gym class style activities such as Frisbee golf. Through these activities, students were able to gain insight into how physical activity can be used for not only enjoyment, but also education.

Lastly, students made their way into a college classroom where they were greeted by two current students at UNCW. In this session, students learned about different opportunities within the field of public health and gained a basic understanding of the College of Health and Human Services. The student presenters shared their college experience as well as their different career paths available through the CHHS program. A fun fact highlighted in this session was that UNCW offers an assistance dog training class, where students learn to help train service dogs for their class!

The final session concluded at around 12 in the afternoon. Afterwards, students gathered outside for a group photo. Before heading to lunch, they received quick tips on how to navigate through the UNCW campus as well as other opportunities offered by UNCW, such as college tours. The day ended at Wagoner Dining Hall, where students had the opportunity to experience college dining. At one in the afternoon, students made their way back to the bus to depart back to West Brunswick. 

This field trip was an amazing opportunity for the students to be able to connect with college professors and students in the CHHS program, allowing them to better understand potential career paths. This was the first time this opportunity was made available to West Brunswick, which made the experience even more special. From hands-on activities to different career lectures, this experience was absolutely amazing and enjoyable to all the Health Science students. 

“It was truly inspiring to see our bright and curious high school students engaging with our CHHS degree programs, learning more about the many opportunities available to them in Healthful Living & Fitness Education, Public Health, and beyond, as well as the resources available in the state-of-the-art Simulation Learning Center,” said Porter. “I hope that our beautiful campus was just as inspiring.”