Honor Society® member
Rachel Waddell
Youth Career Specialist at EDSI Solutions
- Public History
- Class of 2025
- Ephrata, PA
Member since January 2023
About
My dream has always been to work in a museum. I have many cherished memories of visiting museums with my dad including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute. My mother works at a community college, and she used to let me peruse the archives when I visited her workplace.
A master's degree in history will support my career goals because museum work is a competitive field. While I possess volunteer experience, public history skills, and a drive to succeed, a master's degree unlocks a lot of job opportunities and the ability to continue networking.
I am currently trying to earn scholarships for a Summer 2023 study abroad class that travels to Florence and Prague. I have never been able to afford to leave the country let alone study abroad, and this class is a once in a lifetime opportunity that also counts towards my future graduate degree. I would be very grateful for assistance in being able to flex my beginner level Italian in-person!
Education
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Fort Hays State University
Public History
2022 – 2023
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West Chester University
History Secondary Education
2017 – 2020
Honors and awards
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Dr. Robert E. Drayer Award
Outstanding student in History for 2019
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Margaret Gontar 1932 Award
Awarded for excellence in History for 2019-2020 academic year
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Level III Tutor
Highest level of tutoring achieved at West Chester University
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I want nothing more than to work in a museum or its archives. This goal may sound boring to some, but history is so important to our daily lives. Learning about our history causes people to ask questions, think critically, and learn from past mistakes. After teaching 9th and 10th grade American History and volunteering for a historical society's national history day, I am positive that creating exhibits at a museum to foster the public's love of history is exactly where I am meant to be.
- Graduate school interests
As a second semester public history graduate student, I am focused on taking my core classes and making connections with fellow students. Last semester, I studied historiography and museum studies. My professors recommended I sign up for a Summer 2023 study abroad class about the scientific and cultural impact of the renaissance. After completing the required studies, the class travels to Florence and Prague for in-person museum visits and a once in a lifetime experience.
- Outside the classroom
Reading, listening to music and podcasts, worldbuilding, going to concerts, exploring new places
Experience
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Youth Career Specialist
EDSI Solutions
Apr 2023 – May 2023
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Financial Aid Specialist
Harrisburg Area Community College
Oct 2021 – Dec 2022
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Student Teacher
Twin Valley High School
Dec 2019 – Apr 2020
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Math Tutor
West Chester University
Aug 2018 – Oct 2019
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Student Worker
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Aug 2016 – Apr 2017
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Waitress and Hostess
Isaacs Restaurant and Deli
Jun 2014 – Jan 2023
Volunteering
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Event Volunteer
Lancaster County Pride Festival
Jun 2023
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Event Volunteer
One Wish Foundation
Aug 2021 – Aug 2023
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National History Day Volunteer
Chester County Historical Society
Mar 2019
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Event Volunteer
Race Against Racism
Apr 2017
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Parade Volunteer
Millersville University
Oct 2016
Languages
- Spanish Intermediate
- Italian Beginner
Additional information
Organizations
