Supporting a
Dream
From a young age, Rachel Allgeier
aspired to be a teacher
A
s a kid in a working class household, Rachel
Allgeier had an intimate look at the fortitude
it takes to keep a family going. It birthed a
spirit of determination in her. There were times her
parents called it being hardheaded.
As an adult, Allgeier
tries to use that pluck
to her advantage. But,
as she prepared to
graduate high school,
her spirit was tested.
It began with
paperwork. Being a
first-generation college
student, she and her
parents were faced with
a whole new world.
I
always known it. Yet, faced with heavy criticism
from those she cared about, she caved. She would
do her undergraduate studies at UK and apply to
pharmacy school.
As a human nutrition major, Allgeier’s grades were
on target to get into the
pharmacy school of her
ultimately decided that my choosing, but her spirit
was crushed.
life’s success would not be
measured by the amount of
digits in my salary or the title next to
my name, but rather by the
lives that I impacted.
“We had no idea on how
to apply for admission
or for FAFSA. It’s been a learning game,” she said.
The second test was more of an emotional one.
Allgeier’s test scores soared, and mentors saw that
special spark in her. Many influential people in
her life steered her away from teaching, however.
Careers with perhaps more lucrative starting
paychecks, such as pharmacist, doctor, or lawyer,
were tossed around.
Allgeier knew she wanted to teach. In fact, she had
“I ultimately decided
that my life’s success
would not be measured
by the amount of digits
in my salary or the title
next to my name, but
rather by the lives that I
impacted. In my mind,
there is not greater force
for positive change than
a teacher,” Allgeier said.
Once again, her determination saved her – and
enabled her to have an impact on the lives of
countless students who will have her in class.
“I aspire to be a teacher. That might seem evident,
given my course of study. However, the word
‘teacher’ to me means much more than the popular
conception. A teacher, to me, is an incredibly
powerful force, capable of catalyzing change. A
teacher is an active, empathetic force. Teachers
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