Maame Yaa Konadu Idun is a dual degree candidate in the public health and business administration master’s programs, with concentrations in epidemiology and biostatistics/health technology and innovation. Her writing draws inspiration from perspectives coming straight from the nuanced bits of all corners of the world.
I wake up to my 5 a.m. alarm, a constant showdown between my brain and the snooze button. The snooze button is a temptation every time, but I tell myself I’m going to be glad that I got up when future me is here. I most often beat the battle, starting the day off with an early 30-minute workout at the gym. It’s just enough to wake off the morning sleepiness and energize me for the day ahead.
At home, my mornings are calm and intentional. I put on soft, soothing music, often acoustic covers or mellow piano, and settle in for some light reading. This quiet ritual grounds me before I immerse myself in the day. One highlight of my morning routine is speaking with my husband, who is five hours ahead. We sneak a brief call to catch up on the day — it’s a highlight of my day (and ours) that helps bridge the distance. On days set aside for meal prep, my kitchen becomes a mini food lab. On most days, I’m cooking traditional jollof rice or trying other recipes. I prep enough meals to last three days. It’s a small yet gratifying means of balancing nutrition, flavor and efficiency during hectic weeks.
By late morning or early afternoon, I’m in full work mode, listening to a lecture on epidemiology or a conversation on public health strategy. My time outside of class is spent balancing projects. Some days, I’m playing around with data or creating strategies for a new health product. Other days, I’m immersed in research — entering data, doing literature reviews or working with my research team. I try to stay afloat with emails, replying to colleagues and pushing projects forward. It’s a delicate shell game, but one that keeps me excited and invigorated.
Evenings are for recharging. I take walks around Baltimore’s harbor. The stillness of the water, the glow of city lights and the hum of humans provides the perfect backdrop for contemplation. I allow my mind to roam, watching the world go by and letting new thoughts emerge from time to time. If I am feeling a little decadent, I’ll wrap up my day with an episode of my favorite Korean drama. There is something magical about losing yourself in the lush storytelling and cinematography. If there’s one thing I love as much as K-dramas, it’s food. As a self-described foodie, I’m constantly searching for new places to explore. For Baltimore Restaurant Week, I plot my dining destinations. For me, food is not just sustenance. It is the entry point to cultures and a way to find something new.
My days are a mix of structure and spontaneity, hustle and heart. I’m getting closer to my goals every day — but also leaving time for the things that make me happy.
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