Center for Writing alumni—Farha Adam

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11 Questions for Center for Writing Alums

• Your name: Farha Adam
• Your email: fahmed@tpt.org
• When did you work with us?  September 2008 - December 2010
• What was your role? writing consultant, front desk/computer lab attendant, teaching/research assistant, Commanding English writing consultant
• What education and/or occupation(s) have you pursued since working with us?  I completed my BA in linguistics with a minor in Teaching ESL. I worked at a few different organizations after my position at the Center for Writing, and I currently work at Twin Cities Public Television in the National Productions department. I work in media production helping produce films and shows that are aired nationwide on PBS.

Reflections on your center experience:

• Did your work with us influence your educational or occupational choices? If so, how?  Yes, it did. After working directly with such a wide array of students at the Center for Writing, I knew that I did not want a "behind the scenes" career. In my position now, I get to collaborate with producers and directors from all over the country, and sometimes even worldwide. It's a very good feeling knowing that I can be a facilitator between groups of people.
• What are the most significant abilities, values, or skills that you developed in your work with us?  Teaching and consulting have many layers and outlets, and one strength I learned from working at the C4W is that there are numerous ways to tackle a problem. In this role, I mastered how to think outside the box, more than any other role I've had. A close second is knowing how to work with deadlines. On a busy day, Nicholson Hall can have a quick turnaround time, and knowing how to balance various tasks in a given time frame has proved to be valuable on multiple occasions.  
• In your personal and professional life today, how do you find yourself using what you learned from working with us?  Since I work with varied groups of people on a daily basis, I use almost all of my C4W skills. A few jump out to me: being a quick thinker, prioritizing, always asking for clarification, and being inclusive to everyone's thoughts and opinions. There is always more than one solution, and I've learned to never rule anything out. I used to be pretty shy as well, but C4W broke me out of my shell :) 
• Anything else you want to tell us and your fellow Center alums?  I am not just saying this, but the Center for Writing has literally been one of the best opportunities for my personal and professional development. I was able to participate on a collaborated project with Minnesota's Future Doctors, and help direct the C4W informational clip shown all over the U! It also doesn't hurt that my pictures are being used in Student Writing Support's website banners :)