Raeann Whitney doesn’t take no for an answer. At her very core, Raeann is fearless, empowered and inspired to be everything can be. She’s impossible to doubt, as she dares to change the world, and to never stop working to make the improvements that impact each and every individual around her. A junior majoring in microbiology, Raeann is the epitome of “involved.” She’s the president of KU’s pre-medical society, a volunteer at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, involved in undergraduate research and devoted to her position for the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Although busy, Raeann always finds the time to lend her support and aid wherever necessary. She isn’t afraid to take on a challenge and see it to completion. She dares to dream impossible dreams, and it’s this mentality that will one day make her a great doctor.
Raeann grew up in Overland Park and attended Olathe South High School. Late in her senior year, Raeann didn’t know for sure that KU was the place for her. It was a tough decision, but she felt herself compelled by the people of KU. She loved that everyone she spoke to was friendly and helpful, and always there to lead a hand. For her, it was like KU was calling. According to Raeann, in the end, she “just loved the atmosphere.” It was electric. Everything about KU beckoned her, and she’s never stopped loving it. Most importantly, for Raeann, it’s the spirit that brings her back time and time again. After all, “you can be across the country or on the other side of the world and make instant connections because you’re a Jayhawk.”
Raeann does all that she does in order to change the world for the better. This need, this desire, comes from her overwhelming love and devotion to the people, places and movements of this world. Raeann especially loves Lawrence because she feels that Lawrence encompasses everything about a small town, while still feeling urban. The diversity is what keeps her motivated, as Lawrence has it all. After college, Raeann dreams of going to medical school to become a physician. Although unsure of what she wants to do, Raeann feels strongly connected to oncology. She’s always wanted to be a doctor for one simple reason: to influence the immediate world around her. She desires to improve the quality of life for as many people as she can possibly help. She wants to reach out far and wide to maintain and support.
“Medicine, to me, is not about prescribing the right drug, but helping people achieve and maintain their health and quality of life,” said Raeann.
When she does have free time, Raeann loves to go back to the things she truly enjoys. If she has downtime, she enjoys spending it with her friends and family, scrapbooking, hiking, baking and trying new things, especially food. When prompted to discuss anything she might want to spread awareness about, Raeann diligently spoke about October as breast cancer awareness month and also the start of flu season. She’s practical indeed. After it all, and through it all, Raeann can’t help but encourage others to try new things, to get involved and to become passionate, truly passionate, about something that inspires and excites them. Raeann is an honest person, giving person, a fearless individual and the kind of down-to-earth, kind-hearted young adult who can freely and laughingly admit she can’t wear heels and carry coffee down the stairs of KU at the same time. She doesn’t take no for an answer because she never wants to stop. She doesn’t take no for an answer because she dares to believe and dream in the most magical ways possible. She doesn’t take no for an answer because she’s always inspiring, always moving to do bigger and better things.
“I like to think we all have the potential to influence many people’s lives,” Raeann said. “I love the idea that what I am doing today can make a difference today and tomorrow for individuals out there who truly deserve it.”