If you don’t know Rachel Potter yet, here is your opportunity to meet an individual who is equal parts caring, selfless, and a whole lot of fun.
Rachel has a passion for helping and being a voice for older adults. This all started during her junior year of high school when she got a job at a nursing home and fell in love with the residents. “I knew I was in the right place,” Potter said.
Her love for older adults is what lead her to decide that social work would be the perfect major and gerontology as her minor here at Winona State. “I really hope that I can make life a little easier for older adults who may need some type of help.” A big part of her studies and passion is working toward creating a positive image about aging, rather than negative. By celebrating the positives of aging and offering youthful programs for older adults, she is a vital voice against ageism.
Rachel is the president of the Student Association of Social Workers (SASW) on campus. She has some exciting events planned for the year, including a partnership with Project COMPASS and the Chicago Outreach trip in the fall, where attendees will help out at a homeless outreach program.
Rachel currently works at the Winona Friendship Center, which is a community center for older adults in the Winona community. She manages a program called Friendships Forever, which offers the opportunity for every older adult to take part in community events. This is executed by volunteers who visit the older adult’s home and set up a videoconference with a Friendship Center iPad to virtually take part in activities at the center. This is one of many activities that Rachel is involved in to make life easier for older adults in the community.
Rachel is a busy gal who likes to read, hang out with friends, and watch Netflix like any other college student, but she has a special passion for working toward bettering the lives of others.You might also find her editing content for our very own Her Campus chapter, as well as volunteering with an organization called Elder Network. Nothing can stop her.
If you would like to volunteer with the Friendship Center, you can contact Rachel at RPotter11@winona.edu.