Fix appointed to Board of Trustees

After her father lost his job as a result of Sept. 11, current Eastern Washington Universtiy Student Trustee Whitney Fix had to work hard to establish a solid higher education.

"I walked onto campus with nothing. After my dad lost his job, all my college savings went to helping my family; I had to start from scratch," Fix said.

Growing up in Auburn, Wash., Fix was always enrolled in honors classes and worked hard to achieve the goals necessary to become successful in life. "I worked really hard to keep my grades up and get as many scholarships as I could; I was going to go to school," Fix said.

Her hard work paid off. After applying and getting into Pacific Lutheran University, University of North Dakota and EWU, Fix decided Eastern was the best place for her. "They offered me a four-year scholarship with $4,500 a year as long as I kept my GPA above a 3.7," Fix said.

Upon commencing her college career, Fix immediately involved herself in activities ranging from on-campus jobs to various clubs, landing her the position as Miss Eastern in 2008. "I wasn't always this confident though, it took a lot of work to be able to handle myself in front of people," Fix said. Fix used to be terrified of public speaking, so much so that her palms would sweat and she would get so lightheaded that she would come close to passing out. "It was bad, I don't know what I would have done without my sports medicine teacher, he really pushed me to be confident and knew that I could handle whatever stepped in my path," said Fix. Fix attributed her accomplishment as EWU Student Trustee largely to her teacher. Student trustees go through a rigorous application process followed by interviews and concluding with five applicants being sent to the governor's office. "It is a governor appointed position, it all boiled down to if Governor Gregoire thought we were skilled enough for the position; and she picked me!" Fix said. Now holding the position, Fix is expected to vote for policies concerning campus, attend all board of trustee meetings and speak on behalf of the student body regarding student issues on campus. "The board of trustees is made up of all adults who are rarely on campus; essentially I am the students' voice," Fix said. Fix wanted students not to hesitate to contact her with their questions and concerns regarding campus. "I want students to see me on campus and ask me questions; I am here for them." Fix can be contacted by phone at (509) 359-2371 and eagerly welcomes your questions and concerns.