2008 Woodie Awards
Questions and Answers with Heidi Jackson
Nicole Perry
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What is your job description?
Freshman Academy Program Assistant. I am here to insure that freshmen are successful and feel supported.
Why should freshmen take this class?
It is designed to give freshmen an early start on skills that are vital to upperclassmen and the career world.
What kind of skills?
E-communication skills, writing, team work, and collaborative skills.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Working with the freshmen and fellows [upperclassmen who read, respond and grade the writing assignments for Freshman Academy]. Student contact is so fun.
Why was Freshman Academy designed?
Western has an above average drop-out rate between freshmen and sophomore year. Freshman Academy is designed to help [the freshmen] feel more supported and more capable of accepting the challenge of collegiate life.
What are some of the challenges of your position?
Being a liaison between administration and students. Also it's really difficult to foresee the possible side effects of a pilot program.
What are some of these side effects?
An unexpected number of students opting out of the class. It's kind of a bummer; they are dropping out despite the numerous benefits of staying in the class.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Play with my dogs, ride my horses; I love to read and work out.
What is your favorite book?
Waterland by Graham Swift.
What did you get your degree in?
I got a humanities degree with an English Literature and Speech focus from Western in 2005.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I run a YMCA summer horse camp and spend all summer living in a cabin and only shower once a week.
What is your camp name?
Wilbur, like from Charlotte's Web.