Biology major, Business minorAnatomy Instructor and Lab Technician, Centre of Emergency Health Sciences, Texas
Rachel Lopez ’21, a biology major and business minor, is currently working as an Anatomy Instructor and Lab Technician at Texas’s Centre of Emergency Health Sciences training center.
Taking a gap year immediately following graduation, Lopez focused on retaking the MCAT (Medical College Acceptance Test) and applying to Medical School. Within a few months into the routine of studying and writing for applications, she was introduced to an organization and lab that was willing to hire her on the spot.
“I never thought I would find myself working in a lab, considering I didn’t see myself in research beyond what was necessary to complete my educational requirements,” said Lopez.
At the Centre of Emergency Health Science’s research and educational facility, she has been able to witness and assist in many surgical procedures like spine, hip and knee replacements, and learn critical care skills to the caliber of being able to teach these skills to a variety of students and professionals.
“Working at this facility has taught me and prepared me for my next steps as an aspiring and future physician beyond what I could have dreamed,” said Lopez. “To say the Lord has divinely placed me here for such a time as this would be an understatement.”
Lopez has also had the opportunity to teach pre-hospital personnel, radiologists, respiratory therapists and nursing students, as well as some anatomy classes held at the facility.
“Teaching brings me great joy. As a daughter of two teachers and as one who has taught in some capacity all my life, whether that be in the Church or through fitness or discipleship on my hall and in my dorm, being able to teach has been a gift,” said Lopez. “I am in a vocation where I get to both learn and teach daily. Moreover, I am teaching something I truly have been given great admiration and passionate love for — the awestriking wonder of the human body.”
Her advice to current students:
“Lean into the community made available at Asbury. Be an active participant, not simply a passive recipient and seek to find that community where the Lord places you post-Asbury. It won’t always look like hall Gathers, Chapel or Banded Discipleship, but it may look like community with those across the street neighbors, co-workers, or church group. Whatever the Lord brings, receive it openly and without stipulations, allowing the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do.”