In America, children are told that with hard work and determination they can do anything. However, many students today face formidable obstacles, eventually drop out of high school, and never obtain their diploma. How does a country with so many opportunities still have students who are unable to complete their high school education?  “Both health and social factors can reduce youths’ chances of completing high school, including pregnancy and behavioral health problems,” said Dr. Rebecca Wells, professor and department head at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health. “In turn, people who do not complete high school tend to have worse health as adults.” Hence, education and public health are inextricably intertwined.