Rachel Filbert is a Sophomore at the University of Washington. She is from Federal Way, Washington and is an intended Public Health major. Copyright 2016 Rachel Filbert.
What song are you currently listening to?
Talk Too Much by Coin. It’s so catchy I can’t get it out of my head!
What’s your Zodiac sign?
I’m a proud Scorpio.
Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Definitely Christmas!
You have 5 seconds to concoct the perfect Starbucks drink…Go!
Oh it has chocolate, coffee and maybe peppermint… Ahh I don’t know this is too much pressure!
Given the choice between Liam Hemsworth, Zac Efron, and Zayn. Who do you run off into the sunset with?
Liam probably, because, I mean, he’s obviously is the best choice. He just seems more real life to me, like the kind of person that you might actually run into on the street or in a coffee shop. Zac Efron is just too celebrity for me, Liam is more mysterious and I’m intrigued by him.
Where’s the best place to spend a fall day in Seattle?
Walking around Greenlake with a cup of coffee and a camera in hand. As long as it’s not raining of course.
In my backpack I have 2 plane tickets for you. Where do you hope they’re to and who are you bringing with you?
I would bring my best friend Larissa, and I hope the ticket would be to Greece because I always see such beautiful pictures with the stunning blue water and the white houses on the hills, and I really hope to go there someday. It’s currently on the top of my bucket list.
What has been your favorite class at the UW so far?
My favorite class has been Epidemiology. I found it really interesting to learn about various diseases and outbreaks and how our nation and the world responds to those issues. It was the class that really sparked my interest in Public Health actually!
Where’s your favorite spot on campus to study?
My favorite spot to study is in The HUB next to Starbucks, because I love having my both Starbucks and caffeine addictions well-fueled while I’m hitting the books.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job before coming to college was to be a veterinarian, which had actually been my dream since childhood, but now I’m more interested in something that has to do with health. I’ve become really interested in applications of health care and epidemics across America and the infectious and viral disease problems we have faced and will continue to face as the world becomes more globalized. I want to be part of how health crises are addressed and solved around the world.
What advice would you give your Freshman self?
Talking to my incoming Freshman self, I would say to go out of your comfort zone, try new things, and be yourself, as cliché as that sounds. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t thought that there was a set plan for my future and only one track to get there. I’ve learned that college and life don’t follow an organized scheme, and you just have to go with the flow and take things one day at a time. I wish I had known that when I was starting out here.
What are 3 unexpected skills you’ve gained from college?
Time management has been a big skill for sure because in high school I wasn’t juggling so many things and it wasn’t as essential. Now that I live on my own I have many more responsibilities and it’s really important that I manage my time well. I’ve also learned how to live with others and how to put together a cute yet practical waterproof outfit, which is essential when walking around campus. I’ve also learned to love coffee! I’m not sure if that counts as a skill, but in college, coffee is your best friend.
What do you miss most from home?
I miss my dog Ellie and my family the most. I also miss not having to cook every meal for myself… those without a dining plan will feel my pain. Additionally, I miss my friends and the beach. I used to live by the beach and now that I’m in the city it feels so far away. I miss the peacefulness of it.
What’s been the hardest part about college?
For me, the hardest part about college has been figuring out my passions and balancing my academics with other parts of my life. It’s a constant balancing act!
What’s your favorite thing about UW?
I love the sheer amount of opportunities that exist at the UW to explore any sort of dream or passion that you have. Also there’s so many inspiring people and faculty to look up to and get invaluable advice from. It’s a really amazing place and I’m thankful that I go here!
Purple or Gold?
Obviously both! Go Dawgs!