Introduced to Colorado State University through a high school engineering fair, Rachel Washburn, an Outstanding Senior from the Department of Health and Exercise Science, found her energy by introducing older adults to technology through her Honors project. Her interdisciplinary academic, research, and service achievements reflect both her passions and CSU’s Land Grant mission.
First impressions
Washburn found her way to CSU from her hometown of Colorado Springs through a visit that helped spark her passion for science. While in high school, Washburn participated in the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair and a tour of the CSU campus led by her biology teacher, who was an alumnus, left a lasting impression.
“I loved the campus and exploring Old Town,” Washburn remembers. “I revisited CSU for student council summer camps and continued to feel connected to the University.”
These visits solidified her bond with the university, and the vibrant atmosphere led her to pursue CSU for her college journey. However, the journey hasn’t always been easy, and Washburn encountered obstacles familiar to many students, particularly the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We all came into college wondering how our journey would turn out with something so unprecedented,” Washburn reflected. “I knew I wanted to go to occupational therapy school, but I had a difficult time finding a facility that would allow me to shadow an occupational therapist. I knew I wanted to develop a community outreach program, but I didn’t know when we would go back to ‘normal.’ But despite all of the COVID unknowns, I continued to feel inspired and motivated by the energy the HES faculty had for us.”
Mentors in her major and minor
Washburn remained resilient and focused. Throughout her academic journey, she found unwavering support from faculty in her health promotion concentration in health and exercise science, as well as mentors across the College of Health and Human Sciences who shared her interest in supporting older adults. Through her gerontology interdisciplinary minor, she connected with Christine Fruhauf and Ally Brothers from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, who welcomed her to their interdisciplinary research and nurtured her ideas while facilitating her connections within the community.
“I had some ambitious ideas throughout college, and I don’t think I would ever have followed any of them through if it weren’t for my professors,” Washburn reflected. “They not only shared enthusiasm for my ideas, but also helped me get connected through the community. I learned during my sophomore year that it’s not what you know, but who you know, and that motivated me to get connected within the Fort Collins community.”
“I also want to thank Wendy DeYoung and Kimberly Burke,” said Washburn. “They both helped me learn my own strengths and continued to encourage me through my practicums and internships for my major.”
Community involvement
Beyond her academic studies, Washburn immersed herself in many activities, including volunteering with the CSU Gerontology Club and with other students to teach technology classes at the Fort Collins Senior Center. This inspired her to pursue an internship at the CSU Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, which allowed her to develop a website catering to older adults eager to enhance their technological literacy. This work inspired the topic for her Honors thesis.
“Developing the technology class for older adults at the Fort Collins Senior Center took over a year in the making,” reflected Washburn. “To stay consistent with developing the educational content for it, recruiting volunteers, and communicating with the Senior Center on top of classes was challenging, but I loved every second of it. Seeing older adults feel supported with technology is really special to me.”
She dedicated her remaining spare time to research, volunteering in Fruhauf’s Promoting Healthy Aging and Families Research Laboratory in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, where she honed her investigation skills with an eye toward graduate school.
Once and future Ram
Washburn was recognized for her impact with the College of Health and Human Sciences Outstanding Senior Award. As Washburn prepares to graduate, her journey at CSU will continue. Washburn will continue her studies with CSU’s highly competitive Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.
“Fortunately, I will continue to be at CSU for graduate school,” Washburn said, “but I will miss all the positive and uplifting interactions with HES faculty.”
Washburn’s journey and story are highlighted by her strength, purpose, and her passion for education and community. As she continues to the next chapter of her academic career, her experiences at CSU serve as an encouraging example to others of the impact of perseverance and a passion for achieving one’s goals.
The Departments of Health and Exercise Science, Human Development and Family Studies, and Occupational Therapy are part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
