G.O.L.D. Spotlight: Gabriela Rachman '20

What is your fondest memory from your time at Friends Seminary?

Some of my favorite memories are the small, routine moments. I loved the time right after Meeting for Announcements and Meeting for Worship—hanging out with friends in the cafeteria or outside if the weather was nice, especially during a Pop-up Café. My friends and I shared a great sense of humor, and those periods spent simply laughing together made our relationships incredibly strong.

While I stayed close with my core group, I began branching out during my senior year to get to know the rest of my grade. It took time, but I eventually grew more comfortable with all my classmates. That "opening up" came to a screeching halt due to the 2020 pandemic, which shaped the entire second half of our senior year. We missed the milestones we’d looked forward to—the senior retreat was a big one for me. However, six years later, I look back at that time endearingly; it was a unique experience that my entire class shared.

When was the last time you were at Friends and how was your experience?

I visited last year during my spring break while I was working as a teaching assistant. It was awesome to see my old teachers! We had so much to catch up on, from shared hobbies to news about the school and our personal lives. Having worked as a TA myself, I’ve come to appreciate my teachers in a completely different light—particularly their patience in dealing with everyone’s shenanigans. I made sure to express that gratitude to them.

It was a bit surreal to realize that every student there, even the upperclassmen, was significantly younger than me. My brother was a senior at the time, and since we are five years apart, he served as a clear reminder of how much time had passed!

Briefly describe your transition from FS to Kenyon College. How do you feel you were prepared?

Friends Seminary prepared me extremely well academically, especially in English. To any current students reading this: don't worry about those tough English classes—you will be more than ready. Kenyon has an incredibly rigorous English program that translates into every other department; believe it or not, strong writing is vital even in the sciences. Friends ensured I could keep pace with the talented writers and high faculty standards at Kenyon.

I also became very close with my professors, a habit I credit to Friends. My time at FS taught me the value of the student-teacher relationship. I felt comfortable discussing class topics that fascinated me, and I learned there is no shame in asking for help with school or life. Since college requires a high level of independence, knowing how to advocate for yourself is essential.

What are some of the courses or opportunities at Kenyon that prepared you for your current work?

I have worked with children since middle school, and Kenyon provided excellent volunteer opportunities to continue that path. In my senior seminar, I volunteered at Head Start in Knox County, Ohio. Stepping outside the "college bubble" to work with children in rural environments—a setting very different from New York or DC—was a meaningful experience. It actually inspired me to teach in a public school setting for a year immediately after graduation.

My undergraduate research opportunities were also pivotal. I wouldn’t be where I am without my advisor, who mentored me in independent social psychology research applied to the law. Meeting her was what Bob Ross would call a “happy accident.” After a registration mishap in 2021 left me without any psychology courses, my advisor helped me get into the next available opening: Intro to Psychology and Law. I fell in love with the subject, joined the professor’s lab, and the rest is history.

What is a typical day at work like?

Currently, I am an after-school, in-home tutor. On my off days, I’m often at the public library, preparing materials and finding books for my students. When I’m working, I travel to my students' homes for one-on-one lessons in reading or math. My students range from kindergarten to seventh grade, so the material and my approach vary wildly.

My motto for teaching is: “Meet them where they are.” This applies both academically and behaviorally. Some days, a student might be tired or less motivated; it’s important to recognize how their state of mind influences their work. I’ve found that connecting with students through their personal interests is just as important as the lesson itself—the former always helps with the latter.

What advice would you give to current students looking for a summer internship?

Find something you are truly passionate about. I’ve always been driven by how children are treated in the world, and my first full-time experience in that field was a summer internship at a non-profit. That passion eventually led to my research in psychology and law. Summer internships are competitive, but if you find something that resonates with you personally, you will be a much stronger and more authentic applicant.

How do you keep in touch with the Friends Seminary community?

My brother started at Friends in kindergarten, so he has been a constant link to the school for a long time. Beyond that, I stay close with my core group of friends and enjoy visiting my former teachers whenever I can.

Are there any exciting personal or professional updates you wish to share?

This fall, I will be starting a PhD program at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, continuing my studies in Psychology and Law! I am thrilled to return to the world of psychological research. My work will focus on the psychological aspects of the legal system—including jury decision-making and interrogation environments—with a specific emphasis on how children and adolescents are treated in these contexts. I hope to spread more awareness about the vital importance of this field!