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Rachel Hughes

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Rachel Hughes spent a lot of her summer “vacations” on the East Coast nurturing her interest in medicine.  At Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore the Washington State native was involved in programs on neuroscience and biology and followed that up with a summer class at the University of Pennsylvania’s Biomedical Research Academy.  It was at Hopkins where Rachel discovered a new appreciation for science.  In years to come if she is asked if she knew when she decided that medicine was her future path, Rachel will be able give the date, time and location.  “I clearly remember the one moment that defined my decision to pursue medicine: it was during the dissection of a sheep heart. I felt the power of the scalpel against the muscle mass of the heart in my small hand, and was overwhelmed by what I was holding – life! It was a thrill. I thought how wonderful it would be to someday be able to harness this potential to help others.”

Profile: Rachel may someday be known as the “singing surgeon.” With over five years of classical voice training, an aptitude for science and medicine, and a burning desire to help those in need, she may very well earn that nickname in the near future.  Rachel lives in Sequim, WA, a small city on the Juan de Fuca Strait directly across from Victoria, British Columbia.  There she was an honor student at the local public high school, and a four-year member and team captain of the women’s swim team.  But that brief description doesn’t do justice to this young lady’s accomplishments and who she really is. Suffice it to say those who know her – teachers, fellow students, community members – when describing her they use the word “passion.”  For Rachel is passionate about everything she takes on . . . and she takes on a lot. 

Inspiration: In addition to her parents who have steered her toward a life of service, Rachel’s voice instructor, Anneliese von Goerken, “continues to inspire me.” Rachel said Ms. von Goerken “showed me tough love; she was always exceedingly warm and friendly, but made me work especially hard to refine my voice and learn how to sing and perform. She taught me that to succeed, I must be willing to commit, but never lose sight of the passion which keeps me motivated.”

Aspiration:  Rachel’s goal is to someday be a surgeon.

Making a Difference: The City of Sequim is a better place because of Rachel Hughes.  The young lady with the big heart gives of her time freely to various organizations in the community.  Over the years she has volunteered with the Rotary Club, Sequim Children’s Hospital and the Sequim Education Foundation, to name a few.

Accolades: Rachel was a member of the National Honor Society and received various awards from the Sequim Sunrise Rotary, Sequim Education Foundation, and the Soroptomist Club of Sequim.  In addition she was awarded the Magna Cum Laude Award for the National Latin Exam and was recognized for academic achievement in the 2010 Girls Swimming/Diving Championships.

Interesting Fact: Rachel goes ga-ga over Lady Gaga.

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