Student Spotlight: Rachel Strohecker
Rachel Strohecker and Josh Rillo brainstorm during
an English-language debate exhibition during
Open House. Photo by Joe Johnston.
Meet Rachel Strohecker, a fourth-year majoring in aerospace engineering. Rachel's debate prowess is nothing short of remarkable and her impressive victories include triumphs at prestigious events such as the Holistic Justice Competition (spring 2023), the St. Ignatius Dialogues (fall 2023), and the highly competitive YODL Debate Competition (2023-2024). Rachel's academic dedication and debate finesse make her a standout presence in both the aerospace engineering arena and the world of competitive discourse.
“My name is Rachel Strohecker, I am a current fourth year aerospace engineering undergraduate at California Polytechnic State University, with a concentration in astronautics. I found debate through my friend and fellow debater Brenden Jacoby. After spending multiple quarters complaining to him about my lack of humanities classes as a STEM major, he suggested I joined for practice to see if I’d want to join the team. So I did, and was immediately thrown into a practice round. A new world was opened up to me after that practice. I officially joined the Cal Poly Debate Team in fall of my third year.
“I have been a finalist in every competition I have competed in, and intend to keep that going as I approach my graduation in the spring. Debate has been a home for me, a place for me to solidify my deep interest in humanities, while still pursuing my degree in engineering. While not what would be a stereotypical debate skill, I have appreciated that being on this team has made me a better listener and advocate. The knowledge I have gained about the world and the practice of having to note and remember in detail what others say have all served me to listen better, in order to analyze. I listen and analyze those in round, news sites, activist and advocacy groups, and politicians. From this, I am able to speak and advocate for those that need a voice more effectively and comprehensively."
If you would like to support debate students like Rachel, please click here.