Rachel Christina, a freshman psychology pre occupational therapy major, poses for a portrait. Christina is one of this year's 12 Brenau scholars. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

Brenau Scholar: Rachel Christina

Rachel Christina, originally from Youngstown, Ohio, experienced a life-changing event at a young age. “When I was 2, I lost part of my thumb in an accident. I got teased a lot because of it, but it taught me to turn the other cheek,” she says. “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”

The incident taught Christina to be patient with others even when they are at their worst, a nice trait for a mediator or counselor. That demeanor also makes her a good fit for her major in psychology/pre-occupational therapy.

“One of my cousins had to attend a session with an occupational therapist, and I got to learn about the profession through his experience,” Christina says. “I saw how much it helped him, and it made me want to try to help people in the same way. I’ve always wanted to work with kids, even before I knew I wanted to be an OT.”

Christina grew up with her mother, a former nurse; her father, an engineer; and her two brothers, Alex and AJ. She has always seen her mom as her biggest role model for her kindness and love of others.

Her family moved to Cartersville, Georgia, in 2002, when Christina was 4. At Cartersville High School, Christina was on the girls’ basketball team. She still enjoys the camaraderie of being in a group, which is why her favorite Brenau moment was joining the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

“It’s like getting the sisters that I never had growing up,” she says.

A tour of the campus and the excellent psychology program confirmed for Christina that Brenau could help her reach her career goals. Becoming a Brenau Scholar confirmed that Brenau University thought so too. “It was an honor to even be considered for the scholarship,” she says. “I was surprised when I got it, but very pleasantly so.”

When she graduates, Christina wants to be a pediatric occupational therapist. But musical therapy may also be in the cards, given her love of music.

“Music is probably my biggest interest. Listening to it, dancing around to it or even singing it – not that anyone needs to hear me sing,” she says with self-deprecating humor. “I hope to find a way to tie it in with my major.”

Comments
3 Responses to “Brenau Scholar: Rachel Christina”
  1. Michele Christina says:

    Way to go Rachel!! So proud of you.

  2. Jeanette Yohn says:

    The Yohn’s are very proud of you!!

You must be logged in to post a comment.