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Student Profile

Kailey Fitzgerald Photo

Kailey Fitzgerald

What keeps you busy outside of your coursework?

Outside of my coursework, I like to stay busy with work, family, and exercising. Life is all about having a good balance, so by taking the time to incorporate these different aspects into my daily routine outside of school, I am able to stay focused and determined for anything that comes my way.

What inspired you to pursue a MHA degree?

I decided to pursue a MHA degree because it seemed like the best next step for me! Majoring in Community Health as an undergrad, I always thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes and wanted to dive in deeper to learn about all that health administration has to offer. I had heard very positive feedback about the program and this degree over the years, so I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue myself.

Why did you choose Illinois for your MHA?

I chose Illinois for my MHA because the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is more than just a school. After completing my bachelor’s degree here as well, Illinois has become my second home. Whether it's the beautiful campus, the well-known and respected faculty and staff, or the endless opportunities available, I knew that staying at Illinois was the perfect choice!

What advice do you have for current students OR prospective students?

When it comes to advice, I would say to just really enjoy each and every single moment! Although I am still a first-year graduate student right now, I know how fast the time goes by. I feel like the four years for undergrad went by so quick, so I know that the remaining portion of the MHA program will go by even faster. By really enjoying every single moment, I know that I'll be able to look back on my entire graduate school experience and have great memories.