From Furman to Law: How IACH Sparked Rachel Housworth’s Career Journey

Rachel Housworth’s passion for community health began during a transformative May Experience trip to Cambodia with Furman’s Institute for the Advancement of Community Health. She discovered how policies shape health outcomes, igniting her interest in IACH’s mission.

“It was my first May Experience that really initiated my interest in IACH further. I loved it,” Rachel shared.

During her time as a student at Furman, Rachel became a Community Health Champion, joining a dynamic group of students dedicated to advancing health and well-being on campus and across the Upstate. These student leaders serve as liaisons between IACH and Furman students, raising awareness of community health needs, organizing educational programs, collaborating on service projects, and connecting Furman students with community partners. Their work reflects IACH’s commitment to optimizing health and quality of life for all.

For Rachel, the experience was both fun and transformative. “I was able to cultivate my student experience, but it also allowed me to develop as a professional,” she said. Through leadership and collaboration, she built a strong network of peers united around shared academic interests and a commitment to community health.

Rachel also interned with the Medical Legal Partnership, a collaboration between Furman University, Prisma Health Upstate and South Carolina Legal Services. This initiative improves health outcomes for Upstate residents, particularly those in poverty, through undergraduate-led research. Her work there sparked an interest in law, inspiring her to pursue a career in the legal field.

After graduating from Furman in May 2025 with a major in English and minor in Medicine, Health and Culture, Rachel joined South Carolina Legal Services as a paralegal. She enjoys working alongside attorneys in diverse practice areas, gaining valuable experience as she considers law school.

Rachel’s journey illustrates the power of IACH programs to shape futures. Through opportunities like the Community Health Champions and the Medical Legal Partnership, students gain leadership skills, professional development and exposure to healthcare pathways, all while preparing them for impactful careers in health, law and beyond.