Mother, Teacher, Counselor

When Rachel Collins ’01 learned one of the most important career lessons she would learn because of her experience with Mount Mercy.

Collins now lives by a principle she learned while at Mount Mercy: treat every student she meets with the quality of attention she received while at the university.

As a mother and full-time student, Collins was very appreciative that MMU was flexible with her scheduling. Since the university worked with her, she was also able to be a part of the women’s soccer team, something she’d have to give up.

“Being able to be a college athlete was something I thought I would have to give up as a young mother, but MMU also helped me meet that goal,” Collins said. “My professors and soccer coach made my experience wonderful. I transferred to MMU my sophomore year, so I had a year of experience to compare it to. As a young mother, my time away from home had to be worthwhile, and I felt every minute on campus was valuable.

After graduating from Mount Mercy, Collins worked at Metro High School in Cedar Rapids before deciding to go back to graduate school for school counseling. She continued to work as a teacher while in grad school and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2007 with a Master’s in School Counseling. At that time, she was working at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids and was able to move directly into a counseling role there.

“I work with students in three major areas: personal and social support, academic planning, and college and career readiness. I most enjoy working with students individually to help them make important life decisions. Various activities fall under each domain," said Collins. "Sometimes that is helping them through a tough emotional time, sometimes that is advocating for them as learners, sometimes that is assisting them with narrowing down which college is right for them.”

Collins believes all students looking for the right university need to consider key factors.

“For those considering Mount Mercy, I would give the same advice I give when considering any college or university: Make sure the institution you choose is the right fit for you. Consider your program or major of choice, the size of the school, the community you will live in and how far you wish to be from home.”

For current Mount Mercy students, Collins suggests taking advantage of every new opportunity given.

"You may discover even more about yourself by trying new things and committing to grab hold of every opportunity.”

“Take advantage of every activity and opportunity that presents itself to you. The college years are so unique and full," said Collins. "You may discover even more about yourself by trying new things and committing to grab hold of every opportunity.”