After completing her first year at ICA, Rachel French is the July student of the month. An ancient history fanatic, Rachel hopes to share her passion for the subject as a high school teacher someday.
ICA: Describe yourself as a person.
Rachel French: I am an independent person that will try my very best at everything I do. If someone tells me I cannot do something, I see it as a challenge. Therefore, I will try my hardest to prove him or her wrong. I am also very tenderhearted and caring. I act very motherly to my friends and try to help them with whatever is bothering them. I am outgoing and enjoy meeting and talking to new people.
ICA: What grade are you in and what courses are you taking? Do you have a particular reason for selecting these courses? Do you have any long-term goals in mind?
Rachel: I am going to be a senior when the 2013-2014 school year starts. I am registered for English IV, pre-calculus, physics, U.S. government, economics, health, and college planning. After graduating from ICA, I plan to attend either Texas A&M University or the University of Houston. I want to earn a degree in Classics so I can then teach ancient history to high school students.
ICA: How long have you been enrolled with ICA? What circumstances led to you being enrolled with ICA?
Rachel: I have been enrolled in ICA since October of 2012 due to a serious illness I had.
ICA: What aspect of ICA do you enjoy the most?
Rachel: I enjoy the online classes and the opportunity to speak to my teachers if I have a question on any assignments. Also, I enjoy the flexible schedule and not having to get up at 6:00 a.m. to get ready for school.
ICA: Describe any hobbies or interests that you have.
Rachel: I enjoy hanging out with my friends, riding bikes with my family, running, and visiting museums. I also love to read mystery novels and draw landscapes.
ICA: Do you have a personal testimony that you would be willing to share?
Rachel: The past several years have been very difficult for me. My brother became very sick with a rare and mysterious illness, and I felt like an outcast at school due to my poor self-image and lack of confidence. As a result, I became very lonely and depressed. In order to deal with these emotions, I tried to find control and stability with my food. Unintentionally, I developed the eating disorder, anorexia. However, with the help of God, my family, and friends, I am almost fully recovered. I am doing very well now and look forward to the bright future God has planned for me.
ICA: What are some of your favorite things? List as many as you can think of.
Rachel: My favorite TV shows are NCIS and Downton Abbey. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." My favorite color is blue. My favorite sport is football. As for music, I like all kinds.
ICA: Are you a member of any organizations or church groups? Do you volunteer someplace special?
Rachel: I am a member of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Since I am healthy now, I hope to volunteer at a local charity.
ICA: If you could use three words to describe yourself what would they be? Why is that?
Rachel: Three words I would use to describe myself are caring, strong, and artsy. I love to take care of others and give them advice. I get great pleasure in knowing that I have helped someone. Furthermore, God has shown me that I am physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. I realize that I can overcome any difficult situation with Him by my side. Lastly, I consider myself artsy since I enjoy going to art galleries and spending time pondering the meanings of the various works of art.
ICA: What are your future plans or dreams?
Rachel: I have been blessed to visit Paris and London with my family. I greatly enjoyed exploring the museums and looking at the beautiful architecture. I want to go back to these places in the future, as well as travel to Italy and Germany. I hope that by personally experiencing the historical landmarks and artifacts in these countries, I will be better able to help my students understand their significance and gain a greater appreciation and interest in classical history. In addition to teaching ancient history, I hope to use my experiences with anorexia and low self-esteem to help my students know that they are special and God has a particular plan for their lives.
ICA: Who was the most significant role model in your life? Why?
Rachel: My 9th grade history teacher has been a significant role model in my life. He showed me how to look at ancient artifacts differently. Instead of just looking at the surface, he taught me the background information of the relics and their significance during that time period. He also helped me understand the importance of these pieces and their historical value to us today. I thoroughly enjoyed his class. As a result of his teaching, my interest in ancient history was sparked and has given me the desire to become an ancient history teacher, too.
ICA: Is there anything you have always wanted to do but haven't done yet?
Rachel: I would love to go on a mission trip to a foreign country. I would enjoy giving out food and praying with the families.
ICA: If you could meet anyone, who would that be and why?
Rachel: I would have wanted to meet Joan of Arc. Due to her strength and courage, she is one of my role models. I would love to be able to impact the world like she did and not be afraid to stand up for God even if it meant I would be put to death.
ICA: What would others be surprised to learn about you?
Rachel: Even though my last name is French, I can barely speak any French. I can also touch my tongue to my nose. Furthermore, even though I am a very diligent and hard worker, I still like to have fun.
ICA: How do you want to be remembered when people look back on your life?
Rachel: I want to be remembered as a strong, caring Christian woman who helped change the way teenagers feel about themselves and ancient history.
ICA: Of what accomplishment in life are you most proud?
Rachel: I am proud, with the help of God, to have overcome a serious illness. Furthermore, with God's help, I have made straight A's since kindergarten.