What Students Really Say About Farmington


As a student from out of state, how did you first find out about Farmington?
One of my high school teachers told me about the school. I applied to [another state's large flagship campus] but I didn't like the size -- it was just too big. I wanted a nice, small school, but still a good school. My high school teacher said I should try out Farmington because another teacher's son was coming here for Business Economics.

How would you describe Farmington to somebody from your high school?
It has a nice comfort feel to it. It's not huge. I like the school's size and the opportunities. And the professors here actually know me as a person. They take the time and interest to get to know what kinds of things you're into. That's really cool.

Can you explain your Business Economics major?
One reason I looked into Farmington was because they have a major here that's Business Economics -- not just business administration and management. Here, you get the whole thing -- the economics, and the background of business as well. Basically, it's preparing you to run a business - which is exactly what I was looking for. I'm looking to do something in the music industry, but I'm not sure exactly what yet ...maybe promotions, or marketing.

What are some of the classes you take?
Management classes, marketing classes, economics classes. You pick a concentration -- mine is marketing and management -- and you take lots of classes that zero-in on that concentration.

So you came to Farmington knowing that Business Economics was what you wanted?
Oh, yeah. I knew it right out of high school. My junior year of high school I decided I wanted to do business.

What are particular classes have enjoyed?
There was Organizational Social Responsibility, where we talked about how a business has to conform to fit into society so it can survive, kind of like how you can't be against taboos, you can't be against this but you have to do this. Also we touched on pollution and ethics and topics like that. Right now I'm taking a Management class, which teaches you how to become a better manager and how to work with people. Next semester I'm taking Marketing, which I can't wait for because that's what I really love.

Have you taken any classes that have changed your point of view?
Some of my Psychology classes. I'm actually thinking about becoming a double major in Business Economics and Psychology. Those fields are intertwined so much. Think about being a salesperson -- I could totally get inside somebody's head and control them! [laughs] Seriously, there's a lot of value in studying Psychology for marketing and advertising, as well as sales: consumer behavior, social psychology, and classes like that.

Have you taken any classes outside your major that really stood out?
My first year I took a class, "Ideologies of the Ancient World," where we learned about different religions and ideologies and things I'd never heard of. It was pretty cool. Right now I'm taking Music History, and every day I just can't wait to go to that class. I love music and in that class I actually get to have an intelligent conversation with people about music of all kinds. It's great -- I'm actually earning credits for learning about something I love. Don't tell anyone [laughs] but I can't wait to do my homework and stuff, which is something I've never experienced before.

What does a Liberal Arts education mean to you?
To me, maybe it means getting beyond just business classes. Like I said, Farmington seems to be preparing you for life rather than just going out and getting a job and having a nice day. Instead it's "Go out. Get a job. And be smart." Now, instead of just reading a newspaper, I want the knowledge behind it.

Have you had any professors at Farmington that have stood out?
Professor Messier [John Messier, Assistant Professor of Economics]. When I first took Economics, I was really nervous because I had never taken economics, so I had no idea what to do. But he made the class fun and put it on a level we could understand. It wasn't all just numbers and definitions; he gave real-life scenarios and hands-on projects. The first day of class, he said, "Okay, I'll tell you how to pick your seats. I'm going to make you pay for them." And he actually auctioned off the classroom seats and we actually did have to pay for them! The lesson was about supply and demand and we gave the money to a charity that gives a loan to a person in a third world country so they can start up their own business. Isn't that amazing?

So you actually had to pay for the seats?
Oh, yeah! [laughs] Most of them were under a buck. I think the most they got up to was like $2.50 or something like that. And that was the very first day of class. He told us it was our very first economics lesson. And it was.

What makes somebody a good professor?
Being able to connect with you. Finding out what you're interested in and then bringing it back to the subject you're studying. A really good professor can find some way to connect a subject to another subject and to a particular student. Take Dr. Pane [Steven Pane, Professor of Music]. His connection to me is his love for music -- he just gets really enthusiastic about it. We connect because he likes metal and I like metal and a lot of people don't like metal at all - I mean, some people don't even consider it music. So we connect on a more personal level about it. And he can even find ways to relate other kinds of music to metal for me.

Are there any professors at UMF that you feel like you have connected with?
Definitely Dr. Pane. We're actually looking into going to a concert together. It's kind of weird, my professor going to something with me that I would usually do for fun with friends. At the same time, he's really into it and wants to go and just study the music and everything like that. I'm looking forward to it.

So the two of you connected through music?
Yeah. It's really weird, it is a music history class obviously, but the professor likes metal along with opera and classical music. We definitely connect because at the same time, I love opera but I also love metal and basically any kind of music. We connect on that level. It sounds really weird, but at the same time it's really cool.

Who do you go to academic advice?
Professor Dalpour [Waleck Dalpour, Professor of Business] is a definitely one of my favorites. He's also my academic advisor. Outside of UMF he's a very well-known international business consultant and has been incredibly successful. I go to him when I need help with my schedule and other things and he'll tell me if I'm on track.

How did you decide to come to Farmington?
I didn't want to get lost in college. In high school I was just a face in the crowd so I knew I didn't want to go to a big college where I'm just a face in the crowd. I want to be somebody. I know it sounds selfish, but I didn't want to be lost among thousands of other college students.

Is there anything you find unique about Farmington?
I've heard professors here actually have their classes over for dinner. In my music class, we had a pizza party at somebody's house and the professor came, too. And right on Professor Dalpour's business card is his cell phone number and his home address, so I can mail something to his house or contact him at home. It's pretty cool.

Are you involved in any student clubs or organizations?
Yeah, I work at the school radio station, WUMF, as the treasurer. And I also work closely with the station's promotions director -- putting on concerts, dances and events. We all help out with station events, like if we're sponsoring a dance, we all get there early and help set up. Also, I'm involved in some different radio shows. One of them is my own, a two-hour metal show, and another is a call-in show, called "The Loveline."

How did you get involved with WUMF?
I've always been interested in radio. Actually, I went through a phase when I wanted to be a professional radio DJ. Being in college radio is definitely a dream come, true pretty much. It's something I definitely enjoy and I try to do it as often as possible, as you can tell. [laughs]

Have you done any volunteer work as a student here?
I did. Last year I did the Annual Day of Service where we went to an elementary school to a paint a 4-square court and to the local animal shelter to paint the building and help walk the dogs. And we went to a church and helped remodel their basement. It was really cool to be able to go out and help the community and show them we care about the community and that UMF isn't all just about the college.

So, what's your favorite thing about being at Farmington?
WUMF. I mean, like I said, I live and breathe it. I want to get involved in the music industry - maybe radio sales or station promotions, something that has to do with the business aspect of radio. I have the background now and there's definitely a love there.

What kind of classes have you taken to prepare you for after graduation?
Management and Economics taught me not only how to run a business, but also how to manage my own money. Management also teaches you how to interact with the people, how to get to know people and how to deal with difficult people. I guess it's good for life skills, too, managing not only a business and your employees but also yourself.

What can somebody do with a degree in Business Economics?
A lot. You can go from being a sales person to running your own business. You just have to have the ambition and be a hard worker. If you are, the Business Economics degree can help you become very successful.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I want to go into the Peace Corps. I'm looking at different graduate schools where you can go for two semesters and then go overseas serving with the Peace Corps, and then come back and earn your M.B.A. I've also thought about going right into graduate school. And I've thought about going out and just finding a great job. Like I said, I really want to be a businessman in the music industry.

What are some things Farmington does well?
Hiring professors! I don't know how they chose their faculty, but they do a damn good job. All my professors -- yeah, all of them -- I definitely connect with. And I look at them as more than just my professors, I see them as mentors and people I can actually go to if I have a problem. They're all approachable.

What has been your biggest surprise about UMF?
I don't know... It was just so cool how everyone here accepted me. I guess that's it, everyone is accepted no matter what. No matter who you are, no matter what race, orientation, anything -- you are loved. [laughs] It's really cool.

Do you have sage advice for an incoming student- be it a freshman or a transfer?
For freshmen -- do your homework! And get out and meet some people, keep your dorm room door open, you know. Go to the movies and invite some friends to hang out.

Would you recommend Farmington?
It depends on the person. Farmington isn't for everyone, for example it's not the place for someone who's looking for a Big State U. But if you even just think you might like a smaller school, then definitely check it out.