Amanda Cooke is a multi-talented undergraduate student at Fairhaven College, specializing in realistic portraiture, photography, and musical composition. She is originally from Seattle, Washington, and is in the process of pursuing an expressive arts therapy degree. She has a strong foundation in psychology and social sciences which lead to a more in-depth understanding of diverse need and experiences.
With a deep appreciation for capturing the essence of individuals through art, Amanda excels in creating lifelike portraits that convey profound human emotions. Through her photography, she seeks to document the world and convey narratives that inspire empathy and understanding.
Beyond her visual arts expertise, Amanda is also a musician and composer, drawing inspiration from diverse genres and styles she’s witnessed throughout her travels. Being challenged by an overuse injury, she was left unable to play many if not all instruments. This left her wanting to explore the different ways we can use and create music through different sound manipulation techniques. Her original musical compositions explore the interplay of different elements to create captivating soundscapes.
Amanda’s artistic abilities have also led to professional engagements, such as creating the logo for Kiwanis Camp Casey for Children with Disabilities(Crew), becoming the photographer for Kiwanis, winning second place in the logo contest at Fairhaven College, and the Diversity Poster Contest for Western Washington University. She is currently working on an interactive map for Fairhaven College that will be used in a variety of settings. Furthermore, she is venturing into composing music for games, leveraging her understanding of how music enhances gameplay and creates immersive experiences.
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Title: Sounds of Vietnam
A recent project from Intro to Electroacoustic using programmed synths, video and audio samples from my trip across Vietnam in December 2020
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Title: 80’s Inspired Build
Compilation of different synths and drum beats to create a smooth transition into the bridge
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Title: Smooth Jazz Build
Through the unlikely combination of synth, grunge, or classical, I wanted to see how those different elements would complement or contrast.
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Title: Regulation
Following inspiration from different sci-fi genres, I wanted to explore the different uses of tritones and slow gradual builds to create a dynamic composition
About The Grant
The ten-month Adventure Learning Grant at Fairhaven College provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in transformative educational experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. This grant supports students in designing and undertaking their own educational journeys, which often involve traveling to different countries or regions. Through immersive experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of global issues, diverse cultures, and real-world challenges. The grant encourages interdisciplinary exploration by integrating academic pursuits with hands-on experiences such as research, community projects, or artistic expression. With the mentorship and guidance of faculty advisors, students embark on self-directed adventures that foster curiosity, self-discovery, and global citizenship. The Adventure Learning Grant empowers students to create meaningful educational pathways that combine adventure, art, research, and cultural immersion, enriching their academic experience at Fairhaven College
About Fairhaven College
Fairhaven College is a unique and innovative institution that fosters a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to education. Situated within a larger university, Fairhaven College offers students a self-directed and personalized learning experience. With a focus on student autonomy, Fairhaven College encourages learners to design their own academic paths, blending various disciplines and areas of interest to create a holistic and engaging education. The college values experiential learning, critical thinking, and creative expression, providing a supportive environment where students can explore their passions and develop the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing world. Through small class sizes, close faculty-student relationships, and a commitment to social justice and sustainability, Fairhaven College cultivates a vibrant and inclusive community of learners who are empowered to shape their own educational journeys and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
The Project
Using this travel grant from my home university, Fairhaven College at Western Washington University, my research project focuses on homelessness, addiction, and the support available for stable housing and community support. During this ten-month excursion, I plan to explore other countries and communities across Europe to see how they function and tackle these different issues. I would then develop an understanding of the systematic differences; and how that would affect the programmatic implementation in the American system based on various socioeconomic, systematic, and cultural factors. Finally, I would use this information to create different solutions and adaptations for community care.
An additional piece of my documentation includes photography, realistic portraiture, and interviews capturing individual stories and community support. I hope sharing these stories can open up conversation and foster understanding. During my formative years, I spent most of my free time helping, working, and listening to the unhoused community in my district. I saw their intense and complex need for connection and support as they shared their stories with me. There was (and still is) minimal support available in the United States. This led me to begin researching different housing programs and structures. I found many European programs focusing on environmental stability, community, and treatment have a much more valuable impact than anything I have seen in the United States. I hope to connect with many organizations around Europe to create a sound solution to many of the current issues facing the unhoused community.
Personal Statement Expanded
From a young age, I have always been captivated by people’s stories—where they come from, their upbringing, and how these experiences have shaped them into the individuals they are today. I find myself deeply interested in how individuals deal with challenges and learn as a result. I recently had a conversation with a friend over dinner, and as I explained my project to them, they expressed genuine enthusiasm and believed in its viability. We spoke about their senior Kapstone, and how to sharing their story gives them a greater understanding and appreciation of their own experiences. They remarked, “Everyone has a story to tell,” and that sentiment resonated with me profoundly. As human beings, we have learned through the experiences of others. Be it through storytelling, art, music, or any other form of sharing. For millennia, this collective wisdom is integral to our understanding and appreciation of the human experience. Hearing people’s stories provides us with a deeper sense of empathy and insight into the complexities of life, moving beyond mere statistics to truly comprehend the challenges and triumphs individuals face. A personal account is often more influential, giving a voice to those who may have been overlooked and providing a safe space for them to share their truths where they have not had one.
I really hope, if anything else, that my project is able to give people that space when they haven’t had a voice, the opportunity and confidence to share their story on their own terms. Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to listen and validate their experiences, helping them reclaim a sense of purpose and connection. During my interactions with people in various situations, such as in camps or other vulnerable settings, I realized that often, they simply needed someone to talk to, as they had lost crucial relationships and their sense of direction. Validating their experiences and offering support became a vital aspect of my work. Oftentimes, they just wanted to be validated. To know that what they have experienced was hard, which can be difficult on its own, but vital to their wellbeing. This reminded me of a quote from Hans Enringer, from Lighthouse Mission, “It takes having a sense of safety and security to even contemplate making changes in your life”. I have come to disagree with the notion that one must love themselves before receiving love from others. While that is important, In many cases, it is through another’s eyes that we begin to see our true worth and potential. External validation, affirmation, and observations can help us recognize our value, especially during childhood, and enable us to better understand and appreciate ourselves.
Though I am uncertain about the future of this project—the places it will take me, the people I will meet—I understand that learning occurs along the journey. My current grant may not have the weight I initially expected, but I am open to adapting and growing as I progress. It was my chance encounter with a couple on a Highland cow farm that truly inspired this project. Their willingness to share their story showed me the power of experiential learning.I recognize that sharing one’s story publicly can be daunting for various reasons, particularly concerning public image. Some individuals may fear the repercussions of sharing their lives so openly, and they might ask for their stories to be taken down after publication. I respect their autonomy in deciding how and when to share their experiences. If anything, my priority is to ensure that their stories are presented accurately, and verified by them and that they have a say in the medium used to tell their narratives. I feel privileged and honored to be entrusted with these stories, and I pledge to treat them with utmost care and respect. This project is not about me; it is about giving a platform to those whose voices deserve to be heard. Together, we can create a richer, more empathetic world where people’s stories are valued and understood.