Name, age, grade, city of residence
Rachel Burgess, 17, 12th grade, Santa Cruz
Grade you started at MMS
Ninth grade
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
Science. I really enjoy science because it is applicable to what we see and encounter in the every-day world, and there are so many areas of study within the science field.
What inspires you?
Right now, I am most inspired by the healthcare workers who are working so hard to keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the pandemic.
If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I think I would get rid of greed. I feel like greed is at the center of a lot of our societal problems, from climate change to poverty.
What is your dream job and why?
My dream job is to be a Physician Assistant. Being a physician assistant requires similar medical training to that of a doctor, but it involves more patient care and interaction. I’m definitely open to exploring other careers, though. What’s important to me is to do work that helps others.
What are your three favorite things?
- Family and friends
- Listening to music
- Going to the beach
Favorite Book, Movie, TV Show:
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett are tied as my favorite books. My favorite movie is Love Actually.
What do you plan to do after high school?
I recently committed to the University of San Francisco to study biology. But, I think I’m going to take a gap year and work. If COVID-19 allows it, I might participate in a spring study abroad program in Ecuador.
Something that makes you smile:
My cat, Mustache.
A favorite MMS memory – and why?
The moment my class and I were boarding the plane to go to South Africa last year. We were so excited to go on the trip; it was an amazing experience.
Who inspires you and why?
Definitely my parents. They both work incredibly hard, and they do everything they can for my siblings and me to make sure we have opportunities open to us.
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Alumna Alexis Julien (’15) interviewed Rachel for this spotlight feature.
