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People Profiles
Audrey Coon
- Hometown: Kenai, Alaska
- Major: Elementary Education, Spanish endorsement
On behalf of the University, we congratulate Audrey and WWU's varsity women's rowing team on their historic 4th consecutive NCAA Division II national title, June 1, 2008.
Why Western?
I’d known for quite some time that I wanted to be an elementary teacher when I began applying for colleges, and Woodring’s teacher preparation program really appealed to me. I also knew that Western had a varsity women’s rowing team and, having learned to row the previous summer, I was interested in trying out for the team. Having visited Bellingham during my junior year of high school, I was familiar with all the outdoor possibilities and scenic beauty Bellingham had to offer; what an exciting place to live!
The Right Choice
With each year, I find more things that I love about Western and living in Bellingham. Had I known what wonderful opportunities were in store for me here, I wouldn’t have even contemplated attending another university.
Learning by Doing
I have found the classes offered through Woodring College of Education to be relevant, engaging, and exceptional in preparing me for my work in the classroom. Numerous practicum opportunities throughout my courses in Woodring have afforded me first-hand teaching experience and incredible insight into the facilitation and careful preparation involved in everyday teaching. These experiences in the field have been particularly meaningful and helpful in confirming my desire to teach.
Outside the Classroom
As a rower and captain of WWU’s varsity women’s rowing team, I have had the privilege of rowing competitively for three years and was able to help my team earn its third straight NCAA Division II national title last spring. Rowing is my primary interest outside the classroom as I invest a good portion of my early mornings and afternoons to team workouts and weekends to practices and regattas. As a student athlete, I find that I have to manage my time very well to be successful in both academics and athletics, but when I do have some time to myself during the school year and summers, I enjoy traveling, camping, biking, skiing, and exploring the outdoors.
Making History
Winning the NCAA Division II National Rowing Championship last spring is without a doubt my favorite memory of Western. I can honestly say helping my team to win its third straight national title is the proudest and happiest moment of my life. (Note: Western’s women rowing team is the only rowing team in history to win three consecutive national titles.) There’s something very magical about working so hard for something for so long and seeing your hard work finally pay off. Sharing that memory with my teammates, coaches, and my family is something that I will cherish the rest of my life.
Life in Bellingham
Bellingham is absolutely beautiful. Bordered by the North Cascade Mountains to the east and Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands to the west, Bellingham has a lot to offer in the way of natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. I think its appeal is certainly in its endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate all the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
After Western
After completing my undergraduate studies through Woodring, I hope to attain a position as an assistant rowing coach at WWU while gaining experience teaching as a substitute teacher in the Whatcom and Skagit County schools. I hope to diversify my teaching experience as member of the Teach for America Corps, helping to address the educational inequity so prevalent within our nation. In time, I plan to secure a head coaching position at a university within the U.S. and attain a master’s degree in teaching.