Farran Sanders

Class of 2009

Hickory, North Carolina

Academic Major

I am a Forensic Science major, and a Creative Writing minor. I’m not sure exactly what I want to do as a forensic scientist, but I am very interested in detective work. I would love to work someplace like the FBI or the SBI, but I think I will probably have to work my way up to that! I have no idea what I’ll do with my minor. I love to write, so I guess that’s why I chose it.

Meeting My Goals

St. Andrews has given me a lot of hands-on experience within the Forensic Science program. They offer all sorts of half-semester long classes that allow you to explore the different fields of Forensic Science, and which helps you to decide what you would and would not like to do in the future. It is a fairly new program, and it is growing! Recently we started a Forensic Science Club, which is going to be a lot of fun this spring! We are going to try and get some guest speakers to come in and speak with us, and have some fun getting to know one another. We are also planning on taking some trips to places like the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and maybe even the Body Farm!

Meaningful Experience

I have had so many great and meaningful experiences here at St. Andrews that I don’t think I could pick just one. I have learned so much here, not only about academics, but about myself and who I really am as a person. It’s a scary thing to be on your own for the first time, but St. Andrews has always felt like home to me. The relationships I have built with my fellow students and the faculty will always be something I cherish.

Extracurricular Activities

• Women's Lacrosse

• Student Activities Union

• Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Member

• Vice President of the Forensics Club

• Teaching Assistant for Quest 1

I love being a part of life on campus, and I think that being involved in things helps keep you from missing home so much and helps you to meet a lot of great people!  I have volunteered out at the barn for about two years now, working with the students who are involved in the Therapeutic Riding program. I really enjoy this, because it gives you an opportunity to be involved in the life of a child, and help them out. It is great to see how they progress through the program, and sometimes you build really fun relationships with the students and staff. I also love being around the horses and sometimes I think it is just as much therapy for me as it is the students!

St. Andrews Faculty

My advisor is Dr. Ely, and she has been so great at tolerating me all these years! If I ever need anything, all I have to do is go knock on her door, and she’s always there to help me out in any way she can. She always listens to my griping, and tolerates my silliness, and is always very supportive. Without her, I’m not sure I would be graduating a semester early. I think it’s necessary to have someone who will be there to support you and encourage you through your schooling, and someone who understands what you are going through. There are so many professors here who are willing to help you out, and I think that makes all the difference in the world.

Why St. Andrews?

I love St. Andrews because of the size. Because it is so small, you get to know just about everyone on campus, which I think is pretty cool. You always know a bunch of people in your classes, and it’s nice to see friends anywhere you go! We are a very close knit community, which isn’t something you’ll find at just any college.

I personally benefit from the small class sizes. It allows the professors to be able to spend more time doing hands on activities (which is very helpful in forensics classes), and they are able to spend more time giving you extra help if you are struggling in class. Something I’ve enjoyed is the independent study program. Through this program, you are able to study a subject that is interesting to you and get credit for it, even if the class isn’t offered here. Learning is so much easier when it is something you are interested in.

It is also really neat to be able to say hi to your professor as they pass you in the hall and they actually know your name. They will stop and ask you how you are, or how your break was, and you might have only ever had them for one class. You really build a bond with some professors, and it makes going to class everyday a little easier if you feel like your professors care, and you like them. You’ll never get lost in the numbers. Trust me, I’ve tried!

With my teammates.