Rachel
Class of 2010
Hometown: Farmington, Minnesota
Major: Biological Chemistry
Rachel has been given the gift of understanding the sciences as well as the heart to help others in need. She regularly serves on medical missions trips, most recently spending a month in Niger with two other Evangel pre-med students. She also works as a lab assistant for the Department of Science and Technology and completed a neuroscience internship at an area hospital last spring. These opportunities are preparing Rachel for medical school — and her dream to help those who do not have access to affordable health care.
Why did you choose to come to Evangel?
Evangel had the two things was looking to find. I knew I wanted to go to a Christian university, but in wanting to major in science, my options were limited.
Did you visit Evangel before becoming a student?
Yes, I visited twice before I became a student. I visited the summer before my senior year of high school and a second time during the spring of my senior year during Founder's Scholarship interviews.
Did you receive financial aid?
Yes. The majority of my tuition has been covered by academic, departmental and private scholarships.
How did you decide on your particular areas of study?
My major is Biological Chemistry. I do not have a minor because this major is interdisciplinary between Biology and Chemistry. This is the first year with this new major. I was a Biology major and a Chemistry minor but decided to switch because I enjoy chemistry and wanted to challenge myself.
Which residence hall do you live in?
I live in Walther. I was floor secretary on floor council during my freshman and sophomore years, and it was a great way to get involved on campus.
What do you like about the campus?
One of my favorite things is the sense of community here. I feel like wherever I go on campus I know students and feel connected. I am also a big fan of the Mabee Center, the student workout facility.
What are the benefits of attending a smaller university?
It is so easy to get connected. I have gotten involved in different honor societies, student government, intramurals, Pre-Medicine Society, and I work as a lab assistant. Smaller class sizes are also a comfortable setting for students to ask questions and participate in discussions. I have gotten to know my professors really well, and they truly care about all of their students. I feel like I can approach any of my professors and talk to them not only about academic issues but about life and spiritual matters as well.
What kind of educational/service/leadership opportunities have you encountered?
Two organizations at Evangel, Crosswalk and Lifeworks, provide opportunities for students to integrate their faith and learning by traveling abroad on mission trips. Last spring, I went on a medical mission trip to El Salvador with several other pre-medicine and nursing students. This summer, I will be spending one month in Niger with two other pre-medicine students. We will be traveling to villages and bringing people medicines, assisting the missionaries with a kids camp program and volunteering in local clinics. The directors of these clinics have told the missionaries that they are in desperate need of help, so I'm excited to use what I have learned so far to go and help these people. I have also worked as a lab assistant in the Science and Technology department for two years. I have assisted in the general biology, botany and microbiology labs. This experience has helped me gain confidence in working independently to prepare for labs, especially in microbiology.
What are your personal and career goals after college?
After college I plan on going to medical school to become a physician. At this point, I do not know exactly what area of medicine. I do know that I want to help those who do not have affordable access to health care, whether that is here in the United States or overseas. I am thinking about doing a joint M.D./ M.P.H. program where I would get a Doctor of Medicine and a Master's in Public Health. My personal goals after college include eventually getting married and raising a family.
Why should a prospective student choose Evangel?
I have met so many encouraging people, both professors and students, who have challenged and helped me grow in my faith. There are also so many opportunities to get involved with leadership opportunities on campus or service trips abroad.
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