You might find her eating sushi in Japan or exploring the landscapes of England or even studying here, in Eugene. Regardless, you’ll always find Rachel McGill challenging herself with new experiences.
McGill, a Senior studying International Studies (INTL) with a minor in Global Health (GH), is a visionary student in her field and a driven individual, which has prepared her to soar high as a Duck and a leader. McGill is originally from Los Gatos, California, and she always knew that she wanted to pursue a career in public health. With most of her family living in England, she has always been interested in living and working abroad. However, McGill began to take this career choice seriously after taking an African Disease course in her freshman year. McGill found the material intriguing, which sparked her interest to continue taking other Global Health classes, participate in undergraduate research, and apply to the minor. McGill also applied to the International Studies major, which is where she launched her academic journey.
McGill appreciated a large number of classes available to take in the INTL department, and how easy it is to find courses she is interested in. McGill also likes how passionate the professors are about the content they are teaching, which makes the coursework feel important to her. McGill also credits the department for providing her with a variety of opportunities she finds intriguing. “International Studies and Global Health has not only shown me what I want to pursue in the future but has changed my perspective of the workings of different societies around the world specifically in terms of health,” said McGill.
Although her appreciation for the INTL and GH programs and their guidance in her career goals, McGill’s greatest inspiration is her mother. When McGill was 12, her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that attacks the nervous system. It has been challenging for her to witness, but also incredibly inspiring because of her mother’s perseverance. “Seeing her passion for physical therapy and desire to help people inspired me to find my career that I was interested in and passionate about while also being able to help others,” said McGill.
McGill’s mother always told her to do what she loves and to pursue a career in something that she is passionate about, which is precisely what she is doing. McGill is incredibly proud of all the places she has been able to travel and all the opportunities she has experienced while at the University of Oregon.
Aside from her academic studies, McGill is a leader in her sorority, Delta Gamma, and a student worker in the Division of Global Management, which manages international students and study abroad programs. McGill loves to travel, hike, cook, and try new recipes. Sushi has become by far McGill’s favorite food, especially after traveling to Japan this past summer, which furthered her love for the cuisine.
Travelling is deeply important to McGill as it has shaped many of her goals and decisions. McGill’s favorite memories growing up are of traveling and the times she spent in England with her family each summer. McGill has also traveled to Spain, France, and Mexico in the past, and she hopes to travel to Singapore and Japan again in the future.
McGill foresees challenges transitioning from college into a career. Nevertheless, McGill is confident that she will use her learnings from the INTL and GH programs to follow in her mother’s footsteps and find a job that she will love, and she is looking forward to living abroad in the future.
For these reasons, Rachel McGill is a Future Global Leader!
