Rachel Maher '07
 About
Rachel
Rachel graduated in 2007 with a degree in
biology and rhetoric & communications studies and a minor in
environmental studies. At Richmond, Rachel was a member of
Beta Beta Beta, Golden Key and Phi Eta Sigma and the social
sorority Delta Delta Delta. She was also a Speech
Consultant, Speech Fellow, and an Orientation Advisor.
In the fall 2005, Rachel studied abroad at the Danish
Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) in their Marine Biology and
Ecology program. In addition to studying in Copenhagen, the
school arranged a course oriented trip to Finland where Rachel
studied the Baltic Sea. She also had the opportunity to go
hiking in the Czech Republic and spend a week in Russia.
Rachel returned to Denmark after graduation and is working
with DIS as the communication and mass media (CMM) program
assistant. Once her position with DIS concludes, Rachel
hopes to join the Peace Corps.
Personal Statement
Studying abroad during my junior year had a
huge impact on my life. Without a doubt, I can say that this was
probably the best decision I ever made for myself and for my
future. Studying abroad was the first time that I had ever
been out of the country (excluding Canada), let alone being out
of the country for 4 months. It was scary to be traveling so far
with no friends and no family. Additionally, I was going to
Denmark, a country that I knew very little about and at that
time would not have been able to point out on a map.
Of course, at first it was difficult. I had
to make friends with the locals, who I had been told were cold
and difficult to communicate with. I was nervous using the
public transportation system, as it is not something we often do
in the States. I had to get used to new food. But within a
week, I was settled. The most important thing I learned about
studying abroad is that you have to throw out all your bias and
not trust stereotypes! The Danes, as it turns out, are
incredibly warm and affectionate people! I learned that I
can actually function without my car, that millions of people
are doing it, and that riding your bike everywhere makes you
feel like a kid again - it is fun!
Apart from the practicalities, my time
abroad gave me a different out look on America and what it means
to be an American. Speaking with the very politically savvy
Danes, I learned that it is ok to scrutinize and question the
values and teachings that I have been brought up with. There is
always a different way to view a given situation . I learned
that there was much more going on in the world than could be
seen or understood while being within the boarders of the United
States.
Without my study abroad experience, I am
positive I never would have the world view that I am gaining
today. Studying in a place, no matter where it is, is more than
being just a temporary tourist. The semester gives you time to
really live in a place, to immerse yourself in the culture, to
talk to people, to see how they live their lives and how the
society functions. You will never get these things if you only
pass through a city or a country. My abroad experience opened
within me a curiosity about other cultures, and interest which I
hope to continue to pursue throughout my life.
Contact Rachel
Rachel invites students to
contact her about
his experiences at Richmond and abroad.
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