Author: Jemma

Margi Fox has been teaching in the English Dept. since 2006, with a specialty in professional and technical writing. She will retire at the end of the 2018-19 school year. We caught up with Margi to ask her a few questions as she embarks on this next phase of life!
How long did you teach at WWU? What brought you here?

I came to Western in 1974 and earned my undergraduate degree from Huxley in 1976. During my senior year, I took creative writing classes and realized I should have been an English major. In 1984, I returned to Western, caught up on English classes and went into the master’s program, where I discovered my love of teaching. I taught here for a few years after graduation, then moved on to professional writing–as a writer, editor, and teacher.

When a position came open in the professional and technical writing program in 2006, I came back to Western and the English Department. The past thirteen years here have been the most wonderful of my career.

What were some of your favorite moments from your career at WWU? 

There are so many favorites! Here are a few:

• Interactions with students are at the top of my list. I’ve met so many engaged, kind, thoughtful, smart students who’ve inspired me.
• Hiking field trips with students were terrific. We roamed the trails in the area together, discussing the effectiveness of trail signs, and a wide assortment of other topics. I only wish I could have done more of the field trips!
• Having the opportunity to do a TEDx talk about wills in 2015 was a highlight.
• I have also loved interactions with colleagues. I’ve never had a day on campus without a meaningful conversation. I’ve also appreciated how much faculty and staff in the English department care about students and find joy in the subject matter.

 

What is your secret “super power”?  Tell us something that others may not know about you. 

I was on the first women’s trail crew in the United States Forest Service in Idaho’s Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness. In 1973, I spent five months out on trail without ever returning to civilization. My superpower is that I’m happy living outdoors for long periods of time, comfortable with eating terrible food and being dirty, and able to pace myself when climbing high mountain passes. Most importantly, I’ve been able to immerse myself in what writer Sigurd Olson called “The Great Silence.” (These abilities apply to the final two questions.)

What stirs joy within you outside of your work?

I love being out hiking, whether it’s deep in the wilderness or in the nearby Chuckanut Mountains. I’m so grateful for all the public lands in our area and in the country.

 

What will be your next adventure? 

• I hope this summer and fall to backpack as much as possible. Depending on the fire season, I plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington (or Oregon or California).
• During the next year, I intend to try writing fiction, something I haven’t done for decades. I’d like to infuse my research and insights about wills into imaginary worlds.
• Finally, I’ll explore where I can make a contribution. Right now, it’s a little like graduating from college as I try to figure out what to do next with my life.

Nancy Johnson has been a professor in the English Dept. for 25 years, with specialties in English Education, and Children’s and Young Adult Literature. She retired at the end of Winter quarter 2019. We caught up with Nancy to ask her a few questions as she embarks on this next phase of life! (See also the “Gratitudes” page for information on a new Endowment set up in Nancy Johnson’s honor.)

How long did you teach at WWU? What brought you here?

In 1993 Seattle hosted the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Convention. Bill Smith approached me at the conclusion of a session I moderated suggesting I apply for an English Education opening at WWU. I didn’t know Bill at the time but was flattered that he sought me out and charmed by his kindness (which I appreciated even more as his colleague). But, the timing? It just wasn’t right. I had recently received tenure at Seattle Pacific University. I was getting married in a month. And we just bought a house. But … Bill persisted, contacting me one month later and flattering me with “you’d be perfect for this job and our students” praise. I applied, was hired, and started what became a 10-year commute from Seattle to WWU and a 25-year career. No regrets!

 

What were some of your favorite moments from your career at WWU?

More than moments, what will linger a long, long time are relationships. Students. Colleagues. Amazing educators, librarians, writers, and artists in the community. I’ve loved the everyday “work” of inviting, nudging, supporting, and sharing challenging experiences in the classroom, often ignited by responses to literature. I value the hours we worked side-by-side on big projects: creating WWU’s nationally recognized Children’s/Young Adult Literature Conference, collaborating to host a lively Poetry Camp (for grown ups!), and hosting renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s Arbuthnot Lecture on WWU’s campus. None of that could have happened without dedicated relationships to shared dreams.

 

What is your secret “super power”?  Tell us something that others may not know about you.

I hope to live long enough to see my beloved Seattle Mariners return to the playoffs (will I jinx it all if I also hope for a World Series?). I aim to attend games in all 30 Major League ballparks (so far, I’ve visited 19). And, this summer I’ll return to Cooperstown to see Ed-gaaar inducted into the Hall of Fame. While not a super power (my batting average is well below the Mendoza Line), I do claim to be a super fan.

 

What stirs joy within you outside of your work?

In addition to family, my life is so much richer because I’ve left home. In terms of joy, this comes from: Unexpected, unplanned, sometimes eye-opening, often jaw-dropping moments when I travel. People stepping in to help when I’m lost or confused (usually due to language mismatch). The kindness, grace, rich laughter, and shared humanity I’ve discovered whenever I step outside the USA. Filling every page in my passport before it expires.

 

What will be your next adventure? 

Travel. Travel. And more travel. Isn’t there an adage, “So many places, so little time”? I want to take full advantage of this one life I have to life. This includes some exciting new ventures that will nourish my learner/teacher soul. I just started a multi-year consulting partnership with English/language arts teachers in the Lynden School District and, in the fall I’ll travel to the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany for a two-month fellowship. More immediately, I’m eager for lazy, sunny days reading on my deck until the sun sets, long walks on Bellingham’s amazing trail system, time with family and friends, and — did I mention? — travel.