Image of Rahaf Alhusainan.
Rahaf Alhusainan is a senior at PSU, majoring in mathematics. She joined the Campus Rec team as a Lifeguard in August 2021 and has been a significant contributor to the Aquatics program ever since. Rahaf’s love of water activities, in combination with the opportunity to enroll in Campus Rec’s free Lifeguard Training Program, led her here and we are so grateful that it did!
Rahaf was born and raised in Kuwait. She spent a year living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania completing an English learning program in 2016. After receiving a scholarship, Rahaf applied to multiple universities on the west coast, and ultimately decided that Portland State was the best fit for her. Enrolling in 2018, she is grateful for the opportunity to meet and engage with students from diverse backgrounds, and says that she was pleasantly surprised by the number of international students on campus.
As her first experience balancing the role of both student and employee, Rahaf’s position at Campus Rec has taught her time management and organization skills. Additionally, she has learned the importance of commitment, loyalty, and the value in speaking up when you need help. Rahaf has had the opportunity to serve on a hiring committee, and says that is just one of the many opportunities for growth that she has encountered thus far during her time with Campus Rec. She hopes to continue learning the technical aspects of managing the pool, and would love to get more involved with clubs and activities offered through Campus Rec.
Rahaf’s favorite part of her role is, “Just being there!” She feels comfortable and welcome to be herself, and expresses appreciation for her supportive team and supervisor.
“He is always there for us and checking in,” Rahaf says of Aquatics and Safety Coordinator, Marcos Ordaz. Her friends joke with her about how she is always at the Rec Center, but she says this isn’t a problem because she loves where she works!
Rahaf’s advice for fellow student employees is to, “Give yourself more opportunities! Expand your experience. You never know what you’re capable of.” She encourages everyone to try something new and highlights the many opportunities to get involved at Campus Rec.
Thank you, Rahaf, for the perspective and commitment you bring to Campus Rec! You are appreciated.
Be sure to swing by the pool and say hi to Rahaf when you have a chance!