Haley Fauver’s Testimonial with American National University
Originally from Washington, Haley Fauver has always valued the importance of family, making time for her three young children while enjoying summers filled with one of her family’s favorite pastimes: racing. When an unexpected health challenge changed the course of her year, Haley found herself reflecting on what she wanted for her future. That reflection ultimately inspired her to return to school and pursue an Associate degree in Paralegal Studies at American National University, taking a meaningful step toward a new professional path while navigating a season of significant change. Despite starting within an exhausting fight with cancer, she has managed to not only maintain straight A’s, but she also became a Term Trailblazer for Term 260!
“I was going through chemo when I started school. I was pretty proud of myself – I was still working, doing cancer treatment, and going to school also,” Haley explained – while also taking care of her three children. “I was surprised at myself that I was able to handle all of that and get good grades, too! I’ve had all A’s since I started school.” Despite the hardships she’s faced in life, Haley has dedicated herself to her education and always earns the high grades she deserves. She described having issues trying to start school prior to this experience at another institution and it was complicated. However, at American National University, it was so much easier. “I feel like I had no issues getting signed up for school here. Everything was just easy, everyone was super helpful. I think that is a big, huge thing, for people who are looking to go back to school, if that process is easier, then I think it makes them more motivated to hop in!”
“It was important for me to find an ABA-[approved] school and so I started there. I came across [American National University] and it just seemed like a good set up for school for me and aligned with what I was looking for.”
Her interest in law was already established in working for a law firm – so she sought out expanding her education to “advance in my career.” And American National University is laying down the groundwork that she needs to do just that. “I’ve learned things that I didn’t know before, it’s definitely opened my eyes to more things and given me more tools to use!” She explained. “The library is helpful, and I do appreciate how the professors are always there to answer any of your questions and to help you along with anything – like if you’re not understanding anything,” she further added, “that’s my favorite thing, being able to reach out.”
When speaking of professors, Haley cannot pinpoint just one that she enjoys. “All of them,” she answered quickly, “I like them all. I think they’re all great. I think that they all work great together to make the program.
“If one doesn’t have an answer to something, they’re always communicating with each other and working to get the answer for their students. I do appreciate that. They all care about their students, and how well their students are doing, and answering questions when somebody doesn’t understand. I think all of them are great.”
Her future goals include growing within the law firm she works once she earns her degree. She wants to move fully into a paralegal position and advance her career. As the firm she works in personal injury, she has had interests in learning more about that topic – but she was surprised to learn that her criminal law courses interested her, too.
Would she recommend American National University to others? “I would definitely! I think that getting started with the school was very easy and simple. I think that’s a huge thing for people because a lot of people don’t want to feel like ‘I’m so confused, I don’t know what to do here.’ And then also the way that the courses are set up – like the canvas is easy to navigate, which makes it more motivating because nobody wants to be stressed out or confused on how to get somewhere. That could deter people from even wanting to do school. And then, obviously, just all of the professors and all like how they’re willing to help you through things!”
Her advice to new students includes “go to the professors because they are all super helpful and they will always help you.” She explained that she thinks that many students don’t know or underutilize their professors when they need a better understanding of the material. “If I didn’t have the answer for [other students], I would be like, ‘you can always ask the professors things, they will help you through anything.’”
