As a student, Rachel Craghead had no trouble balancing academics with campus involvement, volunteerism and other pursuits. In addition to excelling in North Central College’s rigorous psychology curriculum, Rachel held leadership positions with the College’s orientation staff, Uncommon Life Movement and Blue Key Honor Society.

Rachel paired her passion for service with the opportunity to gain experience in the medical field during D-Term her senior year.

“I set up a trip to Haiti through Mission of Hope,” Rachel says. “I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, and this trip allowed me to gain valuable experiences.” While in Haiti, she shadowed medical professionals, including nurses, doctors and emergency medical technicians. She also gained hands-on medical experience in a clinic.

Following graduation, Rachel is attending Rush University’s Generalist Entry Master’s program in nursing. She received advice from North Central’s pre-professional health program coordinator Marguerite Degenhardt, a former assistant professor at Rush. “Dr. Degenhardt has been a great resource in helping me apply to Rush,” Rachel says. “It also helps that North Central has an affiliation with Rush.”