Learn more about Rachel Sherman, a student graduating from the Family and Human Services program, through our Graduate Spotlight series.
“The FHS program has been central to how I conceptualize every aspect of this work. Most notably, it's clarified the necessity of considering how a person's greater context shapes their experience in and of the world.” – Rachel Sherman
Meet Rachel Sherman (she, they) from Tacoma, Washington who is graduating from the Family and Human Services program this spring.
Originally planning to major in psychology, their path shifted during their final term at Lane Community College. While interning at Laurel Hill Center, Rachel met several colleagues who spoke passionately about their experiences in the Family and Human Services (FHS) program. They decided to explore the program and it didn’t take long to realize that the FHS aligned with their values and career goals.
After graduation, Rachel is returning to the College of Education to pursue their master's in Couples and Family Therapy with hopes to become a relational therapist.
How did the FHS program prepare you for your career?
I'm hoping to work with individuals, families, and groups to help them foster reciprocal relationships that nourish their wellbeing, i.e. I want to be a relational therapist! The Family and Human Services program has been central to how I conceptualize every aspect of this work, but most notably, it's clarified the necessity of considering how a person's greater context shapes their experience in and of the world.
How did you choose to pursue FHS as your major?
Originally, I intended to major in psychology at the University of Oregon. In my last term at Lane Community College, I interned at Laurel Hill Center. Multiple colleagues shared how much they loved majoring in FHS—a major I’d yet to know existed! I decided to double major in both, but after two terms, I felt confident that FHS was most aligned with my values and goals.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I intend to have the most relaxing summer of my life before starting the Couples and Family Therapy program here at UO in the fall.
Advice to future students:
Trying to balance school, work, and life has been one of the most difficult parts of this journey. Something that’s been critical for my long-term wellbeing has been finding a rhythm that is sustainable long term. Try to focus some of your energy on finding this for yourself. Success looks different for everyone, and you get to decide what it means for you. Give yourself grace! You have everything you need inside you to get where you want to go.