When Raine Robinson ’24, ’26MPH walks across the stage at the 2026 Master’s and Doctoral Commencement ceremony, she will receive her Master of Public Health, her second degree from the University. It wasn’t long ago, however, that earning even a bachelor’s degree seemed like a far-fetched idea.

The first-generation student originally attended Chestnut Hill College. During the pandemic, she experienced housing insecurity as the College could not provide long-term housing accommodations and she could not return to her home environment.

After bouncing from couch to couch, she began to take control of her life, deciding to transfer to Arcadia. She immediately felt a sense of belonging and support.

“In 2022, I applied to Arcadia and changed my major to Psychology. From there, my educational journey truly began to take off.”

Robinson received support throughout her undergraduate studies in a variety of ways. Through the Pennsylvania Act 101 Program, she received school supplies and resources for textbooks, as well as mentoring and educational workshop opportunities. She also utilized The Pantry and additional housing support that the University provided. 

It was this support and sense of belonging that led Robinson to stay at Arcadia for her Master of Public Health. 

“What I love most about this school is that I was never alone, even when things were hard,” she said. “Working full-time to pay for tuition and going to school was overwhelming, but my professors, the registrar, and financial aid all understood my situation and supported me however they could. I’m deeply thankful for that.”

During her master’s program, Robinson worked as a long-term substitute teacher at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Philadelphia. Her experiences in the classroom inspired her to think about public health from a different perspective.

“I became interested in how school environments and infrastructure impact the health and wellbeing of children,” she said. “This ultimately inspired my MPH capstone research project, which focused on lead testing and remediation practices among Pennsylvania public school districts across different urbanization levels. My findings suggested that differences in lead testing, remediation practices, and funding across urban, suburban, and rural districts highlight the need for more consistent statewide testing and remediation standards.”

Robinson is currently working as a mental health technician at Friends Hospital and living in the University City section of Philadelphia. When she has free time for herself, you can find Robinson at the Central Parkway Library for “Sew What,” a weekly crocheting event where she makes blankets and other items to donate.

Robinson’s educational journey is not over either. She will attend LaSalle University in the fall to pursue her Master of Social Work.

“I want to help other youth and young adults who are faced with housing insecurity,” she said, “as I once was, but overcame thanks to Arcadia.”