Name: Rebecca Koch

Age: 24

Year of Study / Status in School: Senior in Bachelor of Social Welfare Program / 5th year in college

Area of Study and Academic Interests: social work with children, youth, and families in public schools

Where I Am From: I have lived in Seattle, Washington for almost 4 years, but I grew up in the eastern United States. My family and I lived in the states of New Jersey, Alabama, and Virginia, and before moving to Seattle I went to college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most of the places my family lived were smaller towns, but now I enjoy living in a city and being close to lakes and mountains.

Interests and Hobbies: I enjoy cooking, reading, and exercising outdoors. I love music and play classical piano.

Future Career Goals: I plan to go to graduate school next year to get my Masters in Social Work degree. I then plan to work in a public school advocating for children and their families and connecting them to needed social services. I want to do all I can to work for social justice both on an individual and a systemic level.

My Family: I grew up with my mom, dad, and brother, who is two years younger than me. Now my grandmother lives with my parents. My mom is an elementary school teacher, and my dad is the director of food service for the hospital in the town where my parents live. All of my family lives on the opposite side of the country, so I only get to see them a few times a year. We have a close relationship, but I miss living near them.

Childhood Dream: I wanted to be a pediatrician—a doctor working with children.

How I See Myself as Useful in Society: As I become more and more aware of the injustices in our society and how I play into this system with my privilege, I know I must commit myself to being active in working against all forms of oppression. I take this awareness into my personal relationships and my professional work as I try to create positive change. I welcome and seek out new learning and growth for myself so I can be more understanding of the experiences and needs of others.