[Article by contributing writer and Snoqualmie resident, Amanda Rich]
Mt. Si High School graduate (’15) and North Bend native Rachel Massey was recently named to the University of Washington’s Husky 100.
Who are the Husky 100? UW students from all 3 campuses (Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma) who have made the most of their Husky experience. These students are actively connecting what happens inside and outside of the classroom and using it to make a difference – in their communities, on their campus and for the future. In her application, Massey wrote about a variety of experiences that have changed her and allowed her to make an impact since beginning her education at the UW.
Originally intending to study nursing, Massey got hands-on nursing experience, but also branched out academically and became really inspired about the intersection between health and public policy. She is now double-majoring in public health and political science. Massey is interested in social justice issues that are woven into healthcare and is looking forward to learning more about how both international and local politics play a role in public health around the world.
Massey is currently a fellow in the Slade Gorton International Policy Center’s Global Leaders Program. Students in the program have exposure to and learn from former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton’s extensive public-service career and significant contributions to Washington State. Staff at the center mentor students and arrange for students to interact with state leaders.
While at the UW, Massey has participated in service learning and research, including working with some members of the homeless population in downtown Seattle. That work has focused on helping that population attain Washington state identification. “Because,” as Massey pointed out, “that’s how you access healthcare and other services.”
After graduation this June, Massey intends to travel before exploring graduate school programs that will further her goal of working on healthcare and public health policy. She will be enjoying some weekends at her family’s home in North Bend, having admitted that she didn’t realize how much she would miss spending time in the mountains when she first started at the UW’s Seattle campus.
Read Massey’s Husky 100 profile here.
