Rebekah Streit
- Chippewa Falls, Wis.
- Health care administration major
- What's next: Employment in the field of health care administration
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Rebekah Streit became interested in health care during her five years working for a large health insurance company. She wanted to do more to get involved in bringing about positive change in the way health care is delivered.
"Health care is one of today's most dynamic and growing fields, with a wide range of opportunities and challenges. It's not just about the bottom line, it's about passion."
The health care administration major was a single parent with two young children. It was incredibly challenging to pursue a degree at this time in her life, but she had the passion for it. Streit not only attained her goal, but set herself apart from the crowd, doing research, getting field experience and receiving high honors in the process. She worked in the UW-Eau Claire Financial Aid office and dealt with personal health issues while keeping up with her studies and involvements in extracurricular activities related to her major.
In May 2008, Streit worked with underserved minority populations in Green Bay, Wis., for the Wisconsin Area Health Education Center System. The cultural diversity experience garnered her several scholarships for civic engagement and community service. In examining how the lack of access to health care, socioeconomic factors and culture can influence health outcomes and create disparities, she was able to identify strategies for addressing such issues in her future practice.
"My unyielding passion for caring for others and a strong desire to lead in a thriving industry is why I chose health care administration here at UW-Eau Claire," she said. "It has helped me realize the endless possibilities that come with getting your degree. I made lots of friends and received many networking opportunities that I know will help me after I leave."
More on Rebekah Streit
Future plans and aspirations, both immediate and long term: I plan to get some hands-on work experience in the field of health care administration. My goal is to oversee a health care organization and be involved in planning, managing its finances, meeting regulatory requirements, adapting to changing technology, supporting and encouraging employees, and providing quality and compassionate care to patients. Sectors I am interested in working in include long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, home health care services, VA clinics, doctors’ offices, insurance companies and managed care organizations. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in health care administration at the University of Minnesota with a focus on health care delivery, design and innovation.
Unique aspects of her UW-Eau Claire experience: The opportunities and guidance I was provided have fostered personal growth that I doubt could have occurred anywhere else, whether it was doing research with a professor, being vice president of Sigma Gamma Zeta II or interning during Winterim. I’m confident that the leadership, research and life skills I’ve acquired here form the base I need for success in the future. UW-Eau Claire instilled in me a sense that I can change the world and pushed me to take risks and step outside my comfort zone.
A UW-Eau Claire person, class or project that made a positive difference in her life: During my junior year, I was required to take Philosophy 306, "Ethics of Health Care," with Dr. Martin Webb. In this class, we watched a PBS documentary called "Sick Around America." As the worsening economy leads to massive job losses, it's forcing millions more Americans to go without health insurance. The scale of the problem is staggering as layoffs, major illness, and other unexpected life changes leave more and more Americans uninsured, underinsured, or uninsurable. That class made a definite impact in my life.
Highlights of her life at UW-Eau Claire:
- Memberships in American College of Health Care Administration and Sigma Gamma Zeta II (including leadership positions), American Association of University Women, Golden Key International Honour Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma
- Student representative for the College of Business on the advisory committee for nontraditional students
- Committee chair in organizing the health care administration program's Center for Health and Aging Services Excellence annual spring banquet, 2008-09
- Alumni Association Outstanding Student Award
- Recognized at the CHASE spring banquet for performance and service in the major
- Samuel T.L. Larsen Memorial Award
- College of Business Dean’s Honor List
- Intramurals/recreation activities
Advice for success to incoming UW-Eau Claire students: Be dedicated, have a positive mind and know that hard work is needed to reach your goals. Don't procrastinate. Never give up! Stay organized and try not to get behind in your classes (which can happen before you know it). Keep your eyes open and try new things to form an idea of where your interests lie. Have fun! Connect with others and establish lifelong friendships. Use campus resources and build close relationships with your professors — it will help you in the long run. Not every university offers this much opportunity for face-to-face interaction with the faculty and administration. Expect the absolute most and best of yourself. Challenge yourself by getting involved and making a difference. Stand up for what you believe in. Become knowledgeable in your field by doing internships. The trick is to find what you’re most passionate about and do it for the rest of your life.
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