"Probably like most freshman who want to join a sorority, I was a little apprehensive at first. But in Theta, I know that I can be my most genuine self because the sisters who surround me are their genuine selves as well. "
- Rachel Parmer
About Rachel (from her Secret Sister)
"I love Rachel! She amazes me every day with her compassion for people and how dedicated she is to helping others. She is such a wonderful Godly person who lets her light shine by traveling to Nicaragua to share the gospel with young girls, and I'm in awe of her! Rachel is also one of the funniest people I know, and never fails to put a smile on my face if I'm ever having a bad day. I'm so glad to have her in my life!"
1. What is your favorite hidden gem in Auburn?
There is a taqueria in Auburn on Dean road. It’s some of the best tacos ever. There’s also a little tienda attached, and it reminds me so much of Nicaragua. My favorite thing to get there is two tacos with asada and a Fresca (it’s not like the United States brand of Fresca. It’s the real deal and comes in a glass bottle.) I love going there to practice my Spanish and get some real authentic Mexican food.
2. What is one thing you have done this semester that you are proud of?
I have served this semester as a mentor to an Auburn junior high student with the Young Women’s Leadership Program. I meet with my little sister once a week and last week, she wanted to learn calligraphy, so we watched some YouTube videos and learned something new! Another week, we planted a little succulent garden. I love being able to be in this position of leadership, and it has taught me so much about myself. We also have weekly meetings at Auburn Junior High School where the “big sisters” teach a lesson. I have been able to develop some skills that will be pertinent to the remainder of my college career and my future career. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting out of my little introverted comfort zone through this program.
3. How do you express your creativity?
I absolutely love all things green. I definitely think I got it from my grandmother, because every day when she would pick me and my brother up from school, she would marvel at God’s creation. She also knows the name to literally every plant there is. Now, I love picking out flowers and especially succulents to put in our dorm room. They add a little pop of color to the drab dorm room and they remind me so much of Nicaragua.
4. What is your go-to road trip album?
English music. Definitely Judah and the Lion or Johnnyswim. I love Judah so much because their songs are so incredibly relatable. My favorite of theirs is “Somewhere in between” because it really tells you to just be yourself, even if that means being somewhere in between a cowboy and a hipster. Don’t put a label on yourself.
Spanish music. You can never go wrong with Chino y Nacho. My absolute favorite song is “Andas en mi Cabeza”. When I was in Nicaragua, we would listen to this song basically on repeat on the bus ride to school. It’s so sweet because he is talking about a girl that he can’t get out of his mind and asks her to marry him. Go watch the music video, it’s precious.
5. What is one piece of advice you would tell your freshman year self?
Rachel. You have so many incredible things coming, but live each day in the moment. Appreciate each day for what it is worth. Stop waiting around for the next exciting thing to happen, God has given you this day, so indulge in it, make the most of it. Stop asking God to just gently take away your anxious thoughts, trust him in this trial and in this season of life. He loves you so much, and you should trust Him solely for who He is; everlasting, faithful, and eternal.
