In case you are interested in the kind of work that I do or the person I am, please read on. If not, continue scrolling down!

I graduated in 2017 from the University of California, Berkeley (aka Cal) with a major in Public Health and mino in Global Poverty and Practice. I hope to one day, after finishing graduate school, pursue a career in the public health and medical sector. I am passionate about health, advocacy, empowerment, holistic wellness, mental health, public policy, health disparities, food systems, social welfare, and poverty alleviation,and the intersection between technology, gaming, and health promotion (I think it's SO important to decrease the stigma around technology and gaming's negative impact, and reconstruct these ideas into positive ones). I held a job as a program and administrative assistant, as well as an academic peer adviser, on campus at the Blum Center for Developing Economies, where I worked to alleviate domestic and international poverty in regards to health, resources, technology, education, and many other sectors. We also support students interested in this kind of work through counseling, funding, education, grants, practice experiences (what we call the actual fieldwork that many students do domestically and abroad), and competitions, and collaborate with other organizations and campuses across the world to make a positive impact

I also did volunteer work for an organization called The Suitcase Clinic, where I interact with, provide services such as hairwashing, footwashing, and support to men, women, and children, and help those who are homeless, low-income, living in an impoverished state, or disadvantaged. Many of the clients (whom I refer to lovingly as friends) struggle concurrently with mental illness, drug problems, or financial woes and come from all walks of life. You wouldn't believe all the sad, but inspiring stories.

I am currently taking continuing education courses for a Certification in Patient Home Navigation. Basically, this role will help me assist patients with coordinating their medical care, treatments, act as a liasion and advocate for patients and healthcare providers, and help people understand how to navigate the healthcare system. I'm still very much interested in doing work in food security and education, but I want to focus on something tangible for now as a starting point. Eventually, I will get a Masters degree in Public Health (well, hopefully), but I'm trying to save up money first.

My values lie in helping home first before helping others, and so one of my main focuses is alleviating domestic poverty in my home country and community. Nobody deserves to be in a poor state, whether it be financial, socially, or physical/mental well-being! Another big goal I have is to some day, also create an organization or movement advocating for better education and awareness of the different problems in our current era. With all the negative media images and stigma regarding mental health, disabilities, suicide/depression, and other conditions that don't always have a "good" reputation in society, it saddens me to think that people are denied the support, attention, and resources to lead a better life or recover from their situation. I hope that I, along with many others, can both be a voice and encourage people to use their voices to advocate for body positivity, awareness for different conditions, better mental health, equality of healthcare, and so on.

I know, these sound like big, broad dreams, right? Some people say I have too big of a heart, being a 4'11" girl and not even out of college. Well, I think with enough passion and willpower, I can do anything I put my mind to. Of course, nothing is easy and I won't always reach my goals, but that doesn't stop me from trying and continuing to reach out to others who are in need of help (so long as they want help and accept it).

My biggest dreams are to one day create a non-profit organization that helps those with mental health problems, especially for those with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, or related illnesses, and to connect tech, games, and health together into something positive. I am a big supporter of empowerment and constant growth. Ultimately, though, I want to make the world and my community a better place one person at a time. I don’t want people having to go through the same pain that I’ve gone through, and although pain is inevitable, everyone should know that there is help available and that YOU are valued and loved. I definitely love you :)

My desire to help others and to give back to my community comes from my experiences throughout life, the struggles I’ve gone through, and the beauty I’ve seen through my recovery process and from all the kindness and love my friends, family, and community members have shown me. I love love LOVE to give and see that people are happy, but I also am a shoulder to cry on and a good friend to those in need. I’ve worked with people of all ages, from children to elderly, doing a variety of work in hospitals, a tutor for pre-K through high school students, as well as running an online blog (now inactive) to support those interested or struggling with eating, nutrition, wellness, mental illness/problems, and well, anything really.

A lot of people ask me why I'm so open about what I do and my life. I'm this open because I want to instill hope and inspiration to everyone I meet. Many times, we are exposed to the not-so-pretty, nitty-gritty reality of life, but you know what? There are incredible things happening around us too. People are doing things to improve the community. People ARE willing to help. By sharing my story, I hope that people will realize that they, too, can have a positive impact on those around them. I don't mean to brag, seek praise or pity, seem overly positive, or be preachy, but I say all of this because I truly do think that we all have potential and that people like me who have gone through a lot can turn their lives around at any point in time and become someone better.

Anyways, my love for games stems from an early age. I played a lot of older NES-style games, dig-dug, galactica, 8-bit games, Mario Kart/Mario in general, Tamagotchi, Digimon, Rollerrcoaster Tycoon, The Sims franchise, and a LOT of Maplestory. I’m a huge fan of pixel games, retro, kawaii/cutesy, RPGs, metroidvanias, platformers, indie games, point-and-clicks, HOGs, and I’ve probably missed many other genres.

Many of the times you see me online, I might just be “idling” the games because I am busy with homework, studying, or my job. I love collecting Trading Cards and sometimes crafting badges. I am also a big game collector, so bundle buying is one of my hobbies. Games, I have found, are a great stress reliever, and so yes, I actually DO play games. My favorites so far are STARDEW VALLEY, Fez, Pokemon, Californium, and Secrets of Grindea!

If you ever want to chat, just PM me and if I’m not idling the game and working concurrently (or busy in general), I’ll respond! I’m not always the fastest responder, but I’ll be sure to get back to you. If not on the computer, I have the Steam application downloaded on my phone, and I’ll respond even if out of the house. AND, don’t worry about “bugging” me (unless, of course, you like spamming)! I am available to talk about anything, so long as we are both comfortable holding a discussion about the subject.
Want to get to know me more or become friends? Add me on Steam!

I'm blessed to have met the people I have so far!

Formerly known as SteamGifts user rachellove [www.steamgifts.com] .