People are Talking About: Mrs. Fairclough
Alexandra Gomez
January 10, 2011
Filed under Teacher Profiles
“I believe that in this walk, no matter how old we are, we can learn. We are walking together, and when I meet the students and people who are here, I find that it’s a journey that we are all walking together.”
Originally from the “Big Apple”—New York, NY—Andrea Fairclough is a new guidance counselor at CCA. Here’s what she told The Messenger about her background and how God led her to us.
AG: How did God lead you to CCA?
AF: I started going to church at Calvary Chapel, and God placed it on my heart to put my son in a Christian environment. I found out about the position here when I was pursuing getting him into the elementary school.
AG: Where were you before CCA?
AF: I worked at Broward College as a recruiter, and before that I worked at FIU’s Honors College. Working in higher education, I was going into the high schools and talking to students about what they needed to know to get into the college of their choice.
AG: How did those positions prepare you for this role?
AF: I’ve seen students from every background with every concern about
college. Often I’d be talking to seniors when it’s too late to prepare. Here I can share my knowledge with students before they get to their senior year, help them from even the eighth or ninth grade, and prepare them for college instead of telling them what they should have done four or five years ago.
AG: What grades do you oversee?
AF: Right now I’m working with Allison (Stapleton) and Stephanie (Getty) as much as I can. My focus will be determined by January.
AG: Can you briefly tell me about
your family?
AF: I have a son in third grade here at CCA. My brother, who is a teacher, and my parents, are all in New York, but I found an extended family here at church.
AG: What do you like to do for fun?
AF: My son and I like to go to the beach and collect shells, and then sit and talk while we look at them. I also love spending time helping through organizations like “Big Brother, Big Sister.”
AG: What is your favorite color
and why?
AF: Blue because it’s very calming. When I think of blue I always think of the ocean and the sky.
AG: Where did you go to college and what did you study?
AF: I studied psychology in Middletown, Connecticut, and I did my Masters in Public Administration at Nova Southeastern University.
AG: Who would you say has influenced you the most in your life?
AF: My sister. She’s a loving and kind person who perseveres, and she has always pushed me and said, ”Come on, you can do this. I know you have it in you.”
AG: What advice do you give students when they come into your office
looking for answers?
AF: The first thing I tell everyone is to pray and ask God for guidance, and then trust Him. He will show you the path He has for you.
AG: Do you have a life verse?
AF: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”