Meet Rachel Allison, Graduate Student

Meet Rachel Allison, a graduate student in her second year in the MSCHSJ program! We asked her a few questions about her passions, plans, and experience so far.

What about our program made you decide to pursue a Master of Science in Community Health and Social Justice at UW Bothell? 
I decided to pursue a Master of Science in Community Health and Social Justice because I spent the last several years learning and creating online content about the systemic problems in our country and across the world. I wanted to do my part in fixing these issues and restoring a sense of equity and justice. I became aware of this program and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to move my activism offline and into a place of enacting more direct change. I decided to take a leap of faith and completely change my career path, with the first step being my entry into this program.

What are you planning on doing/how are you planning on using your MSCHSJ degree or post graduation?
My plans after graduating with my MSCHSJ degree include several things. 
I am very excited to take the CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) exam and go on to work for the state of Washington. I would love to work in a role where I can implement equity, anti-racism, and inclusion as praxis, while providing access to opportunities, power, and resources to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes in Washington state.
I would also love to use my creativity and expertise to create different forms of content to spread awareness of how white supremacy, colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism are having detrimental effects on the overall health of different communities across the globe.

What is your favorite part about this program so far? Cohort community learning?
My favorite part about this program so far has been finding a community of like minded individuals who care as deeply about the issues we are facing in Public Health as I do. It gives me hope to see my fellow classmates speaking on these systemic issues and coming up with new, creative, and equitable solutions to reduce health disparities nationwide. 
Another part of this program that I really love is how it challenges me both as a writer and an activist. My skills as a writer have been exponentially broadened by the classes in this program. My portfolio now includes pieces I never could have imagined it would and my confidence as an activist has only deepened with the knowledge I’ve gained in this program.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give incoming MSCHSJ students?
One piece of advice I would give incoming MSCHSJ students would be to take the leap of faith and don’t listen to your imposter syndrome. You are meant to be here and your voice is a necessary contribution to the conversations happening about health disparities and injustices faced by different communities here and across the globe.