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People Profiles
Grant Shaver
- Hometown: Kent, WA
- Major: Accounting
Why Western?
The combination of the great academic programs and the setting of the school is what attracted me to Western. I have had the opportunity to be involved in a lot of different outdoor activities at Western and in the Bellingham area. I have loved getting to experience the diversity of the area without having to live in a “big city” like Seattle.
Respectful Mentors
The professors within the accounting department have been a vital part in my development not only as a student, but also as a future professional. Most of my professors have made themselves available outside of class time to honestly answer questions about their own personal experiences and what life is like trying to launch a career in my particular discipline. As I have progressed through my major I truly feel like my professors have begun to treat me as an equal, lending their advice and respect to me as a student who will help to determine the business environment of the future.
Sparking a New Interest
I would encourage every student to take at least one American history class while at Western. I never liked history during high school but Professor Richards has a unique way of bringing history to life and making it interesting. The courses helped add perspective to my college experience and changed the way I read and think about history.
A New Home
Western has been consistent in fulfilling my expectations of being a place where I could be involved in healthy activities like running, biking, climbing and sailing. I was not expecting to be as involved in the community as I have become. Bellingham has truly become my home over the past four years and I have been a part of community service projects, farmers markets, and other community activities that have made me feel like I am a functioning part of my community.
Nightly Dinner Parties
A lot of my favorite college memories are from freshman year when I had a meal plan and ate in the Fairhaven Dining Hall. There was a group of about eight of us who always walked to the dining hall and ate dinner together every night. We always had a great time making fun of each other and talking about everything. It was unique experience that I doubt I will get to experience again.
Life in Bellingham
There is always something to do outside in Bellingham, rain or shine. One of my favorite things to do is take a book down to Larrabee State Park and sit on the rocks by the water and read. On Friday nights I like to go the Upfront Theater and see improv performances.
After Western
Next year I will be living abroad in Morelia, Mexico while my girlfriend finishes her Spanish degree. I then hope to attend graduate school and get a master's degree in corporate taxation. After graduation I plan on working for a public accounting firm in Seattle doing corporate tax consulting.