For the last several years I have been slowly working on getting my Masters of Science in Nursing, Public Health Nursing. As I approach the finish line, I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my nursing career in public health.
For much of my career as a nurse, I’ve been known as someone who is confident, composed, and capable. On the surface, I appeared to handle challenges with ease, but underneath that exterior, I was often battling high-functioning anxiety. This form of anxiety is particularly deceptive, it hides behind achievements, perfectionism, and tireless effort. I was constantly overanalyzing situations, over preparing far beyond what was necessary, and pushing myself to meet unrealistic internal standards. While this helped me succeed in many ways, it also left me emotionally drained and in a constant state of tension.
I love being a nurse and helping people. I loved taking care of cancer patients and found studying oncology so interesting, but so many other aspects of nursing gave me constant inner turmoil! What changed everything for me was discovering my niche in public health. For the first time, I felt like I belonged! The intense pressure I had felt for so long began to ease, not because the workload decreased, but because my mindset shifted. I was no longer working to prove something or to stave off a fear of failure. Instead, I was driven by curiosity, a desire to learn, and a genuine excitement about making a difference.
Interestingly, I still over-prepare. That part of me hasn’t changed. But what has changed is the reason behind it. My efforts now come from a place of passion rather than pressure. This new headspace is not exhausting, it’s energizing. I no longer feel like I’m in a race against my own doubts. Instead, I feel grounded, motivated, and grateful to be doing work that matters to me.
Looking back, I realize how easy it is to mistake high-functioning anxiety for ambition. But true fulfillment doesn’t come from constant striving, it comes from finding your place and embracing it with your whole heart. Public health has given me that, and I’ve never felt more at peace with my career or with myself.
Studying population public health has opened my eyes to the overwhelming impact that infectious diseases have on individuals and society. As I’m reading Anthony Fauci’s On Call, I find myself deeply moved by the part he played in the relentless battle against HIV/AIDS and the advocacy that shaped public health responses.
This story isn’t just about statistics and policies, it’s about the people behind them. My love for the musical group Queen makes it even more personal.As I was reading the sections of Dr. Fauci’s book talking about HIV/AIDS, I kept thinking about Freddie Mercury. His voice has always been a source of joy and inspiration to me, but his struggle with HIV/AIDS is a heartbreaking reminder of how deeply personal suffering can be, especially when met with fear and ignorance. He faced the disease with quiet strength, even as the world speculated about his health. His story is one of love, loss, and the desperate need for understanding in a time when so many suffered in silence.
Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, was not only a musical genius but also a man who carried an immense burden with grace. His battle with HIV/AIDS in the late 1980s and early 1990s was marked by secrecy, pain, and a world that often responded with fear rather than empathy. As his body weakened, his spirit never did, he poured everything he had into his music, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. But beyond the music, his life serves as a stark reminder of the suffering so many endured in silence, battling not only a ruthless disease but also the cruel judgment of society. Mercury’s story urges us to remember, to care, and to continue fighting for a world free of stigma and ignorance.
The Diagnosis and Secrecy
During the 1980s, HIV/AIDS was widely misunderstood, leading to fear, discrimination, and misinformation. At the height of Queen’s success, Mercury was diagnosed with the disease, but he kept his condition private for several years. The intense stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS at the time forced many, including Mercury, to suffer in silence. Homophobia further fueled the discrimination, as the disease was often falsely labeled as a consequence of sexual orientation rather than a global public health crisis.
The Public Revelation and Its Impact
It was not until November 23, 1991, just one day before his death, that Mercury publicly acknowledged his illness. His statement read: “Following the enormous conjecture in the press, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV-positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me.” This courageous announcement brought global attention to the disease, challenging the stigma and ignorance surrounding it.
Mercury’s death at the age of 45 was a tragic loss to the world of music. However, it also marked a turning point in the public conversation about HIV/AIDS. His revelation helped humanize the epidemic, demonstrating that it could affect anyone, regardless of fame or fortune. In the wake of his passing, organizations such as The Mercury Phoenix Trust were established to fund AIDS research and raise awareness.
The Broader Struggles of People Living with HIV/AIDS
Mercury’s struggle was not unique. During the 1980s and early 1990s, thousands of individuals with HIV/AIDS faced not only the physical devastation of the disease but also widespread discrimination. Many lost their jobs, were denied healthcare, and were even abandoned by family and friends. The stigma surrounding the illness prevented open discussions, delaying medical research and policy changes that could have saved lives.
Despite these hardships, advocacy efforts grew stronger. Activist groups such as ACT UP (which stands for AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power,) fought for better treatment options and government intervention. The development of antiretroviral therapies in the mid-1990s transformed HIV from a death sentence into a manageable condition, but stigma and misinformation persist even today.
Mercury’s Enduring Legacy
Freddie Mercury’s legacy extends far beyond his music. His bravery in the final days of his life, coupled with his immense talent, continues to inspire people worldwide. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, education, and scientific progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Through continued advocacy and medical advancements, the world moves closer to eradicating both the disease and the stigma that surrounds it.
Today, as public health efforts focus on prevention, treatment, and awareness, Mercury’s influence remains a guiding force in destigmatizing HIV/AIDS and supporting those affected. His music, his resilience, and his impact on the fight against HIV/AIDS ensure that his legacy will never be forgotten.
As I wrote in a previous post, Matthew Desmond’s Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City is a powerful exploration of housing insecurity and its far-reaching effects on individuals and families. Through his ethnographic study of eight families in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Desmond captures the relentless struggles of people trying to secure the most basic human necessity: a home. As I have finished reading this book for a second time, I continue to think about how it provides more than just a window into their lives; it underscores a broader truth about the foundational role housing plays in human well-being. As I think about the families in this book, I keep coming back to thoughts outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. By examining the interplay between housing insecurity and Maslow’s framework, it becomes evident that stable housing is essential not only for survival but also for achieving higher levels of personal and societal development.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow, is often depicted as a pyramid with five levels. The first two levels, physiological needs (such as food, water, and shelter) and safety needs (security, stability, and protection), form the foundation. These must be met before individuals can focus on higher-level needs, including belongingness, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization. Desmond’s work reveals how housing insecurity disrupts this progression, trapping individuals and families in a cycle where they can barely address their basic needs, let alone aspire to personal growth and fulfillment.
Looking at the pyramid of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the families featured in Evicted are constantly battling to meet their physiological and safety needs. For Arleen, a single mother, the inability to secure stable housing means frequent moves and evictions, which prevent her from providing consistent shelter for her children. Her story highlights how the lack of a stable home undermines even the most fundamental aspects of life. When people are consumed with finding their next place to sleep, other needs—such as nutrition, employment, and education—are often neglected. As Desmond points out, the loss of housing creates a ripple effect, leading to job loss, health crises, and educational disruptions, further destabilizing families and communities.
“You can only say ‘I’m sorry, I can’t’ so many times before you begin to feel worthless, edging closer to the breaking point. so you protect yourself, in a reflexive way, by finding wayto to say”No, I won’t.’ I cannot help you. So, I will find you unworthy of help.” (Desmond, 2016, p 241)
In Evicted, housing insecurity is shown to have a profound impact on Arleen Bell’s young son, Jafaris, and his asthma. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes the importance of stable, safe living conditions for meeting basic physiological and safety needs. Frequent moves, exposure to substandard housing, living in shelters, and the stress associated with housing instability significantly exacerbate his Jafaris’s asthma. Poor living conditions, such as mold or poor ventilation, contribute to environmental triggers, while disrupted routines and limited access to healthcare prevent effective asthma management. Additionally, the loss of Jafaris’s breathing machine due to the family’s unstable situation delays and prevents timely treatment, further complicating his condition. This cycle of instability highlights how unmet basic needs can lead to worsened health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children like Jafaris.
Safety needs, the second level in Maslow’s hierarchy, are also profoundly compromised by housing instability. Many tenants in Evicted live in fear of landlords, eviction notices, and the threat of homelessness. Arleen living in dilapidated conditions, exemplifies how the lack of secure housing erodes a sense of safety and control. Without a stable environment, individuals cannot establish the security necessary to build relationships, pursue goals, or maintain mental well-being. Desmond’s research illustrates how eviction and housing insecurity perpetuate chronic stress, which has long-term implications for physical and mental health.
Arleen’s struggles provide another poignant example of how housing insecurity disrupts the hierarchy of needs. Arleen, struggling with poverty and homelessness, sometimes lashed out at her children. The book describes instances where she became short-tempered and even cruel, often blaming them for her own frustrations and the hardships they faced. Desmond suggests that Arleen’s harsh behavior stemmed from her own despair and the overwhelming burden of poverty.It was easier for her to direct her anger toward her children than to confront the harsh realities of their situation, the lack of resources, and the constant struggle to survive. This dynamic highlights how unmet physiological and safety needs can compromise an individual’s ability to meet emotional and relational needs, such as providing love and support to their family. When basic survival consumes all of a person’s energy, nurturing relationships and emotional stability often fall by the wayside. Over time, this neglect can perpetuate a generational cycle, as children raised in such environments may struggle to develop the emotional resilience and resources needed to break free from the same patterns of instability and deprivation. This underscores the profound impact of systemic poverty and housing insecurity on both immediate family dynamics and long-term generational outcomes.
Beyond the immediate impact on physiological and safety needs, housing instability also obstructs progress toward higher-level needs such as belongingness and esteem. Maslow’s theory emphasizes the importance of social connections and community for emotional well-being. However, frequent evictions and transience sever ties to neighborhoods, schools, and support networks. Arleen’s repeated displacements make it difficult for her children to form lasting friendships or excel in school, denying them a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, the stigma associated with eviction and poverty diminishes self-esteem, leaving individuals feeling marginalized and powerless.
The pinnacle of Maslow’s hierarchy, self-actualization, remains out of reach for those mired in housing insecurity. Self-actualization involves achieving one’s full potential and engaging in creative, meaningful pursuits. For the families in Evicted, however, the constant struggle to meet basic needs leaves little room for personal growth or self-discovery. Desmond’s narrative makes it clear that systemic barriers, such as exploitative landlord practices and inadequate housing policies, prevent individuals from escaping the cycle of poverty and realizing their potential.
There is no one-stop easy solution to the housing crisis. Desmond’s proposed solution—a universal housing voucher program—aligns with Maslow’s framework by addressing the foundational needs of shelter and safety. By ensuring access to stable and affordable housing, such a program would create the conditions necessary for individuals and families to focus on higher-level needs. Stable housing not only provides a physical structure but also fosters a sense of security, community, and dignity, enabling people to pursue education, build relationships, and achieve their aspirations.
Evicted serves as a poignant reminder that housing is far more than a physical structure; it is the cornerstone of human well-being. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs provides a valuable lens through which to understand the profound impact of housing insecurity on every aspect of life. Desmond’s work challenges readers to consider the moral and societal imperative of addressing housing inequality, not just as a matter of policy but as a matter of human dignity. By recognizing the essential role of stable housing in fulfilling human potential, we can take meaningful steps toward a more equitable and compassionate society.
Reference:
Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown Publishers.
Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and personality. Harper & Row.
**An affiliate link is a unique URL provided by an affiliate program or network to their partners, such as bloggers or website owners. When someone clicks on an affiliate link and makes a purchase or completes a desired action, the affiliate partner earns a commission or other form of compensation. These links are specifically tracked to attribute sales or conversions generated through the partner’s promotional efforts. In summary, an affiliate link is a specialized link that allows partners to earn commissions by driving traffic and sales to a particular product or service.**
“Every year in this country, people are evicted from their homes not by the tens of thousands or even the hundreds of thousands but by the millions.”― Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City**
When I first picked up Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond, I had no idea what an impact it was going to have on me. This book was assigned to me for the graduate class I will be taking this semester, and since I started reading it, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Normally, I’m not one to reread books—there are so many I want to read and so little time—but as soon as I finished Evicted, I started rereading it. I also don’t usually buy books, preferring to borrow them from the library, but I have already purchased this one because I want to have it in my library.
The book is more than a work of sociological research; it is a piercing lens into the lives of individuals and families caught in the relentless cycle of poverty and housing insecurity. Desmond’s ethnographic approach brings to life the stark reality of poverty in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during and after the 2007-2008 financial crisis, following eight families from diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds. This isn’t just a book—it’s a call to witness and confront the systemic injustices that perpetuate poverty in the United States.
As someone who has worked in healthcare as a nurse and observed the barriers people face in accessing resources, Evicted forced me to look deeper at the intersection of housing and health. Desmond’s portrayal of eviction’s cascading effects—job loss, educational disruption, and mental health crises—highlighted how housing instability undermines all other aspects of well-being. I couldn’t help but think about the families I’ve encountered in my work who faced impossible choices: pay rent or buy groceries, prioritize medication or utilities. This book made it clear that housing insecurity is not just an individual issue; it’s a public health crisis.
Desmond’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling place readers inside the daily struggles of his subjects. I was struck by the resilience of families like Arleen’s, a single mother trying to provide for her children despite being evicted multiple times, and Lamar, a disabled man living in a dilapidated home while attempting to support his sons. These stories aren’t just anecdotes; they’re evidence of how deeply rooted inequities disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The book’s exploration of how landlords profit from the desperation of tenants left me questioning the morality of a system that commodifies basic human needs.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of Evicted was its examination of the role landlords play in perpetuating poverty. Desmond’s research shows how the power imbalance between landlords and tenants allows exploitation to thrive. I couldn’t stop thinking about the devastating reality that eviction isn’t just a result of poverty—it’s a cause of it. The act of losing one’s home sets off a chain reaction of instability, making it nearly impossible to escape the grip of poverty.
Reading Evicted also prompted me to reflect on the structural changes needed to address these issues. Desmond’s proposal for a universal housing voucher program is both compelling and necessary. Ensuring that families have access to safe and affordable housing is a foundational step toward breaking the cycle of poverty. The book inspired me to think critically about how public health policies could better integrate housing solutions to improve overall community health.
“The pursuit of happiness undeniably includes the pursuit of material well-being: minimally, being able to secure basic necessities. It can be overwhelming to consider how much happiness has been lost, how many capabilities snuffed out, by the swell of poverty in this land and our collective decision not to provide all our citizens with a stable and decent place to live.” ― Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City**
This book left an indelible mark on me, not just as a professional interested in studying public health but as a human being. It reminded me of the importance of empathy and the need to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked. Their voices must move beyond acknowledgment and become integral to shaping the conversations and decisions that affect them. They need a seat at the discussion table. The stories in Evicted are painful and infuriating, but they are also a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Desmond’s work underscores a simple yet profound truth: where we live impacts how we live. Housing isn’t just about having a roof over one’s head; it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity. Evicted compelled me to not only acknowledge the devastating realities of housing insecurity but also to consider my role in advocating for change. It’s a book that doesn’t let you look away, and for that, I am grateful to have had my eyes opened.
“It is only after we begin to see a street as our street, a public park as our park, a school as our school, that we can become engaged citizens, dedicating our time and resources for worthwhile causes: joining the Neighborhood Watch, volunteering to beautify a playground, or running for school board.”― Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City**
Reference:
Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown Publishers.
**An affiliate link is a unique URL provided by an affiliate program or network to their partners, such as bloggers or website owners. When someone clicks on an affiliate link and makes a purchase or completes a desired action, the affiliate partner earns a commission or other form of compensation. These links are specifically tracked to attribute sales or conversions generated through the partner’s promotional efforts. In summary, an affiliate link is a specialized link that allows partners to earn commissions by driving traffic and sales to a particular product or service.**
Looking Joli Good 