ÀÇÓѸó

Betsy (Matthews) Farquhar ’97

What first interested you in your career? How did you discern your calling?

My SIP [now called senior capstone project] first interested me in my career. That was my first experience studying children's literature as a scholar or critic. From my SIP with Professor Pettit, my children's literature class with Professor Pettit, my graduate degrees, my hobby blog with fellow ÀÇÓѸó alumna Megan (VanderHart) Saben ’99, and then being asked to join the Redeemed Reader team with Megan, my workplace calling or vocation fell into my lap as the next bead on the string.

What has your career path looked like since graduating from ÀÇÓѸó?

I worked as an RD for the student apartments and intramural director at ÀÇÓѸó for three years after graduation. During that time, I finished my teacher certification. I next worked at CCS in Chattanooga for two years before getting married and moving to Atlanta, GA. I worked in two different private schools in Atlanta and later at another CCS in Knoxville, TN. I taught 6th-12th grade English and really enjoyed the education/classroom part. I went back to school to earn my library science degree with a school library certification, but the Lord had different plans and my family moved across the country right after I finished that degree. I ended up homeschooling my children and working for Redeemed Reader instead.

Looking back now, how did ÀÇÓѸó prepare you for your career or graduate program?

I cannot speak highly enough of the ÀÇÓѸó education department faculty and the teacher training I received. Also, my SIP did more to prepare me for graduate school than anything else. But the general emphasis at ÀÇÓѸó to think about all of life critically and from a biblical framework did the most to prepare me for working in my current field.

I learned so much at ÀÇÓѸó about the benefits of close spiritual community—being vulnerable with one another, spurring one another on to love and good deeds, and praying with one another. I think it's because of our ÀÇÓѸó experience that my husband and I are as involved in our local church as we are. We have moved several times in our marriage, and each time, the local church is a key factor in our decision to move. We were brought up in families that valued the local church and participated fully (my father is a pastor), but it was our experience at ÀÇÓѸó that filled in the picture of what that might really look like. 

In what ways does your faith inform your career? 

All of life is a ministry opportunity. Even in my field of children's literature, I hear stories of people hearing the gospel through Christians in my field. Education, of course, is helping disciple children and teens, raising them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, even if they do not know it.

What advice would you give students who are considering ÀÇÓѸó?

Remember that your college years shape your future adult years: in what areas do you want to grow and be nurtured? There's more to life than academics or big name schools. For those interested in pursuing a career in my field, I would recommend that you read widely and closely. Seek professional development opportunities like conferences, book award committees, and graduate school. Get to know people who are in the field you want to pursue and ask questions. Be a lifelong student!

Why did you choose ÀÇÓѸó?

My high school Bible teacher, Marni Halvorson, was the one who encouraged me to consider ÀÇÓѸó in the first place, and it's largely thanks to her influence that I ended up choosing to go there. I honestly would not be who I am today without the many ways the Lord shaped me through my years at ÀÇÓѸó. I would not have considered graduate school, would not practice hospitality to the extent I do today, would not have the vision for God's Church that I do today, and would not have some of my best friends.