For many first-year college students, leaving your family to live on campus can be a scary experience. Despite her initial fears, Rachel Moore quickly found her second family at East Tennessee State University.
Rachel originally chose to pursue higher education at ETSU for its proximity to her
home in Newport, Tennessee. But she was inspired by her upper-level friends that chose
ETSU as their second home and decided to take a leap of faith - which would be a common
theme throughout her first year at ETSU.
“Coming to school here has been very beneficial to my personal development,” said
Rachel. “My parents are no longer right by my side to help me, so I have had to learn
responsibility in every aspect of my life.”
Currently a first-year student, Rachel is majoring in criminal justice and criminology with a minor in forensic science. Her dream is to become a criminal investigator,
as her heart calls her to help families who can’t find the answers to their questions
and need closure in tough situations. For Rachel, it’s all about preventing unnecessary
heartbreak, and she’s up for the challenge.
In the criminal justice program, Rachel gets to study law, social and behavioral sciences,
and will have the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice by participating
in a field experience internship with a local, state or federal criminal justice agency.
“I love the community that I have at ETSU because I can be myself and it allows others
to know about my life story.”
- Rachel Moore
Rachel says her life goals are to give it all in her career, but also to grow in her walk with Christ. That’s where her second family at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) comes in.
“I love the community that I have at ETSU and the BCM because I can be myself and
it allows others to know about my life story because people are willing to listen,”
shared Rachel.
“I have amplified my personal growth here at ETSU by getting out of my comfort zone
to go and share with other people how I am a new person in Jesus Christ and who they
can also be. So many people are waiting to hear your story, and you must be willing
to tell it.”
Rachel emphasized that the unique sense of community is what sets the Buccaneer experience
apart from other colleges.
“You could fear starting your journey at ETSU in many ways because, trust me, I was
scared, too,” said Rachel. “Once you come to ETSU, you will better understand why
you are supposed to be here, and it will only benefit you and help you grow into the
person you want to become.”
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