Rainey Fish '25

Rainey Fish discovered her interest in healthcare when her younger sister was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, type 1 diabetes. To ease her sister's anxiety, Fish, who was 13 years old at the time, began to give her sister her insulin injections and check her blood glucose levels. She grew fascinated by the medical equipment used to treat her sister’s condition.

Three years later, Fish was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

“At the time, it was a bit ironic. I was practicing giving my sister her insulin injections, not knowing that I would soon be managing my own diabetes as well,” she said.

Being part of the healthcare community and doing the rewarding work of caring for individuals in distress is what drives Fish in her pursuit of the healthcare field.

 “I aspire to be a source of light and support to alleviate the burden that patients face when they are unwell,” said Fish, who is a recipient of the Willie Stargell Student Scholarship, the 2023 Healthcare Heroes Scholarship and a SEEDS Scholar.

Attending UNCW has influenced Fish, both personally and professionally, by allowing her to connect with a wide range of diverse people, ideas and beliefs. Meeting peers from different backgrounds and faculty dedicated to helping her succeed, Fish values the guidance and support she has received. Sheri Shaw Leavens, assistant dean of student success in the College of Health and Human Services, helped Fish find her career path.  

“Sheri played a crucial role in guiding me toward respiratory therapy, confidently suggesting that I would be an excellent fit for the major,” said Fish.

Roles in academic leadership, including the Dean’s Student Leadership Advisory Council and the Chancellor’s Student Leadership Advisory Council, have helped boost Fish’s communication and collaboration skills. Mentoring high-school students at the iHEAL camp was a particularly notable experience for her.

“I take immense pride in being a positive role model for younger students, and in this role, I was able to highlight the excellent career options available at UNCW while also serving as an energetic counselor who worked hard to ensure all participants have a memorable and educational experience,” she said.

Fish is striving toward a position as a pediatric respiratory therapist at WakeMed Children’s Hospital in Raleigh, NC. She is also interested in pursuing a master’s degree to become a physician’s assistant, her dream job. Furthering her education would open opportunities in a wide range of fields, from anesthesiology to family medicine to surgery, she said.

“I view my graduation from UNCW not as the end of my educational journey but rather as a stepping stone toward furthering my studies.”