What is a Fairhaven Student?

A Fairhaven student is an individual yearning for a purpose, and driven by passion.

The Fairhaven community

Imagine sitting around a table, perhaps in a circle formation, perhaps not, with a professor whom you can approach after class, in the halls and stop by their office to say hi, discuss an independent project proposal or have a momentary crisis. This is a class where your opinions are not only asked, but sought out and necessary for the success of the class. You are responsible for the discussion because as a seminar, each student is the essential ingredient for creating an honest and open educational experience. The Fairhaven community has been one of challenging academics, compassionate interactions with both students and faculty and a place that has fostered a continuing urge for growth in my academic and personal life.

Connecting to Western

Fairhaven is a great college because of the small classes and the personalized attention that students receive from faculty, but it is also incredibly valuable to have access to a larger university's resources such as the library and technology center. I think that one of the most valuable assets that a larger university has though, are the multiple colleges and thus, numerous courses offered in many fields of study. For me, being able to take classes in the Sociology and Communication departments has helped me to develop my concentration into a well-rounded course of study; one that is truly interdisciplinary.

Transformations

This college makes you think about who you are in the greater context of the global community. I haven't found that kind of introspection and critical evaluation of self growth anywhere else. This is a tool that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Fairhaven has also allowed room for my mistakes and understood when life interrupted my academic path. The community that is built here is one that is supportive and inspiring, yet still produces and expects highly competent, motivated individuals. I believe that I have become a more compassionate and patient person through Fairhaven and have learned that it isn't necessarily the answers that are important, but the questions being asked.

 

Heather reading her essay, "In Just a Moment"
at Scholars Day.

"In Just a Moment": A creative non-fiction essay

This essay was written in winter 2008 during Stan Tag's course titled American Lives: Growing Up. It is a personal creative non-fiction essay about the death of my step-sister, which proved to be a much more soul searching experience than I could have imagined. I feel that this essay is an honest representation of the essence of my concentration. My concentration's emphasis is on learning about oneself and using personal narrative as the vehicle in which to do so.

Beyond the Classroom

When I am not in a classroom, I can be found at work at a local law firm where I am a legal assistant. I also intern at the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center working with the Healthy Choices for Girls program. For fun, I can be found on stage acting at the iDiOM Theater, reading a good novel or memoir, and strolling around town, as I am an avid pedestrian. I love trying out new restaurants and wandering through art galleries, and as Bellingham has plenty of both it isn't too hard to have plenty of choices of where to go. I also love to dance and have fun with my friends. So, it isn't an odd night when I am out on the town, enjoying life!

Life after Fairhaven

After I graduate Fairhaven I plan on joining the AmeriCorps to gain work experience in non-profits. I would like to get my Masters degree in Conflict Transformation from the SIT Institute in Vermont, after a short break from school and some traveling. Fairhaven has given me the motivation and encouragement to try new things and take life's challenges for what they are: learning experiences.

Advice to new students

If you are willing to be honest, vulnerable and open to new ideas you will be a successful student. And, be prepared for the journey of a lifetime regardless of the path you have chosen; bumps and distractions come along but that is what life is all about so, take it in stride.