Name: Rachel Hoehn
Hometown: St. Peter, Minnesota
Major: Communication Studies
Year in School: Senior
Her Campus: What is a saying you live by?
Rachel Hoehn: “Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye, and a smile on your face, but a great and strong purpose in your heart.” – Gordon B. Hinkley
HC: When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
RH: Any Disney Princess – but probably Cinderella because I loved her sparkly dress.
HC: If you had to describe yourself in three words- what words would you pick?
RH: Personable, Inspired, and Friendly
HC: Highlight all of the things you have done as a Mav since your freshman year:
RH: “When I first came to college, I was very shy and didn’t plan on getting involved with much – but through the encouragement of my CA, Kallie Leindecker, I quickly became involved – first, in the residence halls. Some of my Residential Life involvement includes: RHA Representative, Event Coordinator, Community Adviser, Winter Welcome Week Committee, Diversity and Social Justice Committee, NRHH Member, and the vice president of Finance and Records for NRHH (I especially also would like to thank my Hall Director and Area Director – Mandy Wubben and Nicole Faust for pushing me to stay active). Other University involvement includes: Orientation Peer Assistant, Student Events Team Homecoming Promotions & Partnerships Chair, Orientation Student Coordinator, Student Ambassador, and Living Leadership Program Facilitator. This semester, I have also really enjoyed my friend, Desiree Frederick’s yoga class; simply going to campus events has helped me feel so connected at MSU!”
HC: What has been the most rewarding experience(s) as a Maverick?
RH: “My junior year of college, a friend of mine encouraged me to run for Homecoming Queen – and so I did. The experience in itself was so rewarding because I got so many girls on my floor to get more involved and excited about MSU. I ended up being crowned Homecoming Queen in 2014; it was such an honor representing Minnesota State University, Mankato my junior year of college as well as connecting with many more new students! Being able to share my passion and love for MSU through this experience has been so rewarding and that is why it is my favorite campus experience.”
HC: What is the “Spreading Positivity” Facebook page you started?
RH: “Spreading Positivity is an open group on Facebook that allows its members to post inspiring stories, quotes, videos, or articles that all have to do with spreading positive messages and making others feel good about themselves!”
HC: Why did you start the page?
RH: “I started the page in October 2015. It’s kind of funny how it started because I was just laying in bed, looking through my phone at articles on Facebook at 1 in the morning; after some scrolling, I came across this article called “How to Spread Positivity on Social Media” by Melyssa Griffin. Her article inspired me to create a Facebook group all about spreading positivity to others. I had grown very tired of people being conceited and posting negative pictures online. This group is used to be inclusive and make others FEEL good. Through its three months of being an active group, more than 220 people have joined with new members posting positive messages and quotes every day!”
HC: Other than the Spreading Positivity Facebook group what do you do or what have you done to spread positivity?
RH: “At the beginning of fall semester this year, my friend Courtney Sill and I made a bucket list. On the bucket list, we made sure to include things that made others feel good about themselves. Some of the things we have done include: putting nice notes in the library books in the Memorial Library, posting sticky notes in the MSU bathrooms that say things like “have a nice day” and passing out candy canes during finals week to help people get through those stressful finals! I also have a “positivity” jar in my apartment – at the end of every day, I’ll write something nice that happened or that made me smile and I’ll look through the jar if I ever feel like I need a pick-me-up!”
HC: Who or what inspires you to be such a happy person?
RH: “I am inspired to be happy based off the people in my life; my parents, specifically, have taught me to always be appreciative and to write thank-you notes any opportunity I get! Being grateful and appreciative has strengthened my passion for life; Oprah said it best: “the more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
HC: What advie do you have for people in school? For life?
RH: “Cherish every moment and appreciate the people in your life more than anything because they are the ones that will help you through hard times and smile with you through the good times. Call your mom and dad every chance you get, and don’t forget to tell them you love them.”