HC Purdue: How old are you and what are you majoring in?
Rachael: “I am 20 years old and I am currently majoring in English and working on a Communications minor.”
HC Purdue: Where are you from?
Rachael: “I am from Geneva, Illinois. It is a western suburb right outside of Chicago.”
HC Purdue: Why did you decide to co-found HC Purdue?
Rachael: “Well for one, I have always really liked Her Campus. I read articles on the website all the time. When I realized I wanted to pursue a career in journalism, I actually thought about applying for an internship with Her Campus. I thought it would be great experience and I could work for an organization that I loved. I ended up studying abroad so I couldn’t apply for an internship at the time. And then I met Danielle who told me she shared a similar liking in Her Campus and we talked and decided it would be really cool to bring Her Campus to Purdue. So ultimately, I wanted to start Her Campus because I saw a lot of potential opportunities with it, along with being able to pursue my passion. It was an experience that looked like a lot of fun and was calling my name.”
HC Purdue: What is your favorite thing about Her Campus?
Rachael: “My favorite thing about Her Campus is the kind of writing I get to do. I love being able to write about what matters to me, whether it is school, relationships, hobbies, etc. The writing style keeps me interested and allows me to have fun while working.”
HC Purdue: What is your favorite place on campus?
Rachael: “My favorite place on campus is Greyhouse coffee shop. It is such a cute place to relax and get homework done at. Plus the coffee and food is delicious!”
HC Purdue: What do you like to do in your spare time?
“My favorite thing to do in my free time is going to concerts with my two best friends Tori and Brandon. I have a passion for music and seeing all my favorite bands or artists is like nothing else. Plus, I just really love my friends. We all share similar passions with music so being able to spend time with them and listen to music is a great time.”
HC Purdue: What else are you involved with on campus?
Rachael: “I am also a reporter for The Exponent. I work on the campus desk and I report on news or events taking place on campus.”
HC Purdue: If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?
Rachael: “I really want to go to Greece. It is on my bucket list to see it. It looks beautiful. I would love to eat greek food and swim in the Mediterranean every day.”
HC Purdue: What is your favorite TV show/movie?
Rachael: “My favorite show right now is Mad Men. It is really interesting to see what life was like back in the 1960s. I also really love history. My favorite show changes a lot though. There are so many good ones! My favorite movie of all time though is Gone With The Wind. I love old movies, thanks to my mom. I am definitely an old soul kind of girl.”
HC Purdue: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Rachael: “In 5 years, I really hope to be working for a national newspaper or magazine. I love writing and learning about what’s going on in the world. Being able to talk to people or interview them and build connections with people is so thrilling for me. I really just want to be happy and love what I do and so far being able to write is the one thing that brings me that kind of satisfaction. I also would love to be living somewhere on the East Coast. It is so beautiful out there and I thrive best around nature.”
HC Purdue: What is your favorite memory at Purdue?
Rachael: “My favorite memory at Purdue is when I studied abroad. I know I was not physically at Purdue, but the program was still through Purdue so I think that still counts right? I went to London for about 3 weeks over the summer with a group of students from Purdue and 2 faculty members. First of all, London is amazing and if it wasn’t for this opportunity I may never have had the chance to experience it. I made some of my best friends on that trip, along with seeing a beautiful country. There is nothing that could replace how great of a time I had.”