Rachael started at a four-year university in her home state of Oregon, but in her third year, she experienced a life-changing event when she was the victim of crime. She dropped out and said it weighed heavily on her confidence, leaving her searching for answers.

During her time away from school, she worked on her case. She drew praise from the local justice community for her abilities and passion and was encouraged to pursue a career in law. After meeting her fiancé, she decided to move to the Chippewa Valley and enroll in CVTC’s Paralegal program.

On her first day of class, Rachael decided to put her full energy into the experience by sitting in the front row and getting involved in the Paralegal Club. She says this allowed her to engage with students and faculty and helped her navigate coming back to school.

She now serves as the President of Student Association, helps at the local Free Legal Clinic, and has volunteered over 3,000 hours this year at the District Attorney’s office in the Victim Witness Department.

Rachael is honored to use her trauma to help people in the same situation and plans to create a scholarship for students going through trauma. She says CVTC has provided a springboard to launch her into a career she never saw herself in and couldn’t see herself anywhere else!