The Places She's Gone: A Certificate in Health Promotion Gives a Local Gal Work Freedom

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JENNIFER YEZEK USED TO LOOK "ENVIOUSLY" out the window of a New Jersey laboratory. Now she works on a sunny island in the Pacific Ocean, thanks in part to a certificate from D.C.'s American University.

The 32-year-old majored in math and chemistry at Wake Forest University, then studied forensic science at Michigan State, graduating with a master's degree in criminal justice. "Since the curriculum was heavy on analyzing controlled substances, the [U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency] was a natural fit," Yezek says.

After a background check, the Columbia, Md., native became a fed — analyzing evidence, writing reports and testifying in court. "I was never called a narc," she says, "but I did have one of those jobs that everyone thought was so cool."

When her husband took a job in New Jersey — "a mecca for pharmaceutical companies" — Yezek worked for a subcontractor to Eli Lilly, where she was qualified to do drug research, thanks to her DEA experience and master's degree. "One of the tests I did helped advance a breast-cancer drug along in the [Food and Drug Administration] process," she says proudly.

Yezek felt caged, though: Her lab-rat work would eventually change lives, but "I wanted to be outside and interacting with people to make a difference." Also, folks who saw her working out or eating well often asked her advice on health and diet. She considered a Ph.D. in nutrition, but that would be a circular path back to lab work.

Yezek Googled "health" and "nutrition" and discovered AU's health promotion management program (202-885-6279). Bonus: It was closer to her parents in Maryland. Yezek's husband transferred to D.C. and she plunged in, working her first semester with the Postal Service, where students at AU's School of Education, Teaching & Health run wellness programs.

Related internships are part of the program, in which the 18-credit certificate in nutrition education shares some classes with the master's in health promotion management (Yezek was taking both). Most students spend a year finishing the classes in basic nutrition, weight management, exercise physiology, teaching methods and health communications or policy.

"Six out of 10 of the leading causes of death in America have their basis in nutrition," notes associate dean Anastasia Snelling. "How do you help people decipher the best food products for them and balance those with physical activity?" The certificate "is targeted at related health professionals — nurses, school policy makers, workplace wellness promoters, personal trainers, community workers and so on."

Though there are no prerequisites, most students have a relevant undergraduate degree. "I'll look at what you've done and how we can connect this program to it," Snelling says. "Someone with a marketing background, say, will find many more ways to integrate this — food marketing is a big deal now — than someone who majored in literature."

That's why it's hard to estimate earnings from the certificate, whose online classes cost $2,400 and classroom courses $3,535 (by next fall, all will be available online); varied career paths intersect with previous education and career experience.

In fall 2008 and as part of her final semester pre-graduation, Yezek and Snelling developed healthier menus for the Arlington school system — work that helped take Yezek's mind off her husband's deployment to Iraq. On return, he asked Yezek what she'd think about a new assignment on Kwajalein, one of the Marshall Islands. "Since I hadn't seen him in six months, I jumped at the thought of being on an island far away with just him," she says.

"Far away" as in 7,156 miles. The former U.S. trust territory's climate is like D.C.'s in July; the coral atoll is three miles by one mile with no cars. The couple moved in March, and Yezek soon put her training to work at the Adult Recreation Center, where she educates residents about portion sizes and the dangers of smoking. This summer, she gave nutrition lectures, ran a boot-camp exercise class and provided grocery nutrition labels for an island-wide wellness competition.

Yezek has started giving lessons to kids through school and Scouts; themes include family health, and fruits and vegetables. "Groceries are delivered only twice a week," she says, "so cooking healthy can be a challenge."

So can living on the atoll, which survived high tides after last month's Pacific tsunamis. The couple have a three-year commitment to "Kwaj." Yezek is putting her work hours toward becoming a certified nutrition educator — more training! — with plans to teach healthy habits to kids once back stateside.

As for herself, "being on Kwaj has helped me tone down my dessert craving because there's not much out here unless you cook it yourself or have your mom send you a care package," she says wryly. Plus, she can work off missteps by surfing and snorkeling every day — another change from Washington.

Written by Express contributor Ellen Ryan
Photo courtesy Jennifer Yezek