Christy Weller-Fahy is a student librarian trainee at WA. She got her undergrad from UMass Lowell 5 years ago and is getting a masters in library science at Salem State. She will only be here at WA for at most two weeks, as this will finish her training and she will be eligible for a masters degree in library science.
Q: Why did you choose this career path?
A: I’ve wanted to be a librarian since I was a kid. I volunteered when I was in middle school, high school, and in college. And then when my kids were older, I volunteered at their schools, and I always enjoyed it. I find the library very comforting and welcoming, and when I went back to school to get my degree, that’s what I decided to get my degree in.
Q: Have you had any other past experience besides volunteering?
A: I’m from Oklahoma, and my husband is in the military. We’ve moved around a lot and I always liked going down to the library. I always knew where everything was because they’re all organized the same. So, it’s very comforting.
Q: How have you liked WA so far? Is this your first time being a librarian?
A: No, I’ve done this for a couple of years. Volunteering on and off. And then I worked in an elementary school two years ago and really enjoyed that. But, I didn’t like the commute. When I started grad school, I did some observation with Miss Harde and Miss Monaghan. That was two or three years ago and they were lovely to work with. When I had to go do more student teaching, I called them. I live in Chelmsford, so it’s very close. Westford Academy has been fantastic. It’s been a great opportunity.
Q: What’s your biggest achievement so far with teaching?
A: The fact that I am 50 years old and just now starting my career.
Q: What’s your favorite part about this job? What’s your least favorite part?
A: Favorite part is the organization. It’s very calming to me and I like that. Introducing people to new authors and helping the kids that don’t like to read find the book that really connects with them. I love that. For my least favorite, there’s really not one which is kind of a dream scenario.
Q: What do you like to teach the kids?
A: It depends on the age, elementary school, they’re so enthusiastic about everything, from your shoes, to the books, to what the books are about. That’s fantastic. For high schoolers, everyone is so independent that if they need help, they’re asking for help because they haven’t been able to figure it out themselves. Everyone needs help in elementary school which is lovely, but exhausting sometimes for us. If you need help that’s what I’m here for.
Q: Do you have a favorite age to teach?
A: Middle school.
Q: What do you do besides teaching kids while you’re working?
A: I’ve been doing a lot of reading fiction, pulling books that need to be replaced. I’ve been doing a lot of that. And I think some people might find that tedious, but I kind of enjoy it.
Q: How hard did you think this job would be? Is it enjoyable? Why?
A: It’s got its challenges, but it’s such a well-run library. Ms. Harde and Ms. Monaghan do a fantastic job running and curating it.
Q: What did you think the challenges at WA would be?
A: Staying involved in the curriculum. The librarians work a lot with history teachers for their programs, but there are other teachers that utilize the library, as well. I think making sure that teachers know that you’re there as a resource.
Q: Outside of the workplace, what do you like doing besides reading? How do you balance your life?
A: I don’t. I have two boys. One is a freshman and the other is a senior in high school. We’re always busy with all their stuff. And we’re active in our church, we do scout, the boys are in an orchestra, they do karate, and so there’s not a lot of balance right now. It’s just a lot of chaos and craziness, but it’s a good thing.
Q: What college did you go to? And what degree did you get?
A: I went to UMass Lowell for my undergraduate five years ago. I’m currently going to Salem State and I’m getting my master’s in library science.
Q: Is there anything else you just want to let us know?
A: I’ve really enjoyed my time here, it’s been really fun. I’m going to be here for another few weeks and it’s been fantastic, the librarians have been great to work with. I hope I can be like them in the future.
