Farah Vallera
Nominated by:
Deborah Snow, Liam Browne, Tarah Cicero, Xeniya Volkova
Comments from nominator:
Deborah Snow: Dr. Vallera is my advisor, and has been my professor in several classes. From the day I decided to apply for the program, she has been 100% encouraging. She is knowledgeable, and both optimistic and realistic in her advice. During the uncertainty of Covid-19, she continues to be available, whether it's for academic matters, career help, or just to listen when things are tough. Her mentorship has been invaluable during my time at Lehigh.
Liam Browne: Farah is so whacky you never feel like you're in a graduate course with her. You feel like you're learning from your aunt because you always feel at home in her class and you never know what she's going to have you do next. Each of her classes is an adventure (metaphorically and literally). Farah loves all of her students as if they were family. She'll check in on you personally if she thinks you're having a bad day. She feed you if you look hungry. She'll show you her pickle-dog if you're in need of a good laugh. She is trying to do so much with the College of Ed in terms of improving the program and introducing new programs of study. She assembled a team of instructional designers to help professors transition from in-person to online learning when COVID hit. The list of accomplishments and qualities for this professor goes on and on. She's the reason I want to pursue the PhD program because she's just an inspiration to us all in the TLT program!
Tarah Cicero: Dr. Vallera and Dr. Garrigan are both fantastic mentors... and people! I've learned so many incredible skills from their courses that I was able to implement right away in my work designing learning activities. In addition, they both make time to speak with their students and genuinely care about us, ensuring that we're successful in our studies and careers. Their classes are informative, enjoyable, meaningful, pertinent, and engaging! Both of them are extremely kind and inspirational, and make me aspire to be an innovative learning professional. Thank you Dr. V and Dr. G for all you've taught me and for being the awesome people you are!
Xeniya Volkova: Dr. Farah Vallera is a brilliant instructor and a wonderful human being. She has changed my life and the way I think about it and myself forever. I don't know if it is possible to convey in words how grateful I am. Being able to take classes with Dr. Farah, having her as my advisor, mentor, teacher, and friend over the past year and a half has been one of the best things to happen in my life. She is extremely passionate about what she is doing, her courses, and her students. Every course of hers is unique and very inspirational. She taught me to not be afraid of taking risks, asking questions, failing, and starting over. She always supports her students and helps them to stay mentally and emotionally healthy. She encouraged me to dream bigger, helped me find faith in myself, and realize that I have the energy, enthusiasm, and perseverance I never knew I had. Dr. Farah is a rare person with true integrity. I will always thank Dr. Farah for making my Lehigh experience everything it has been.
Mentor comments:
To me, mentorship is the most important part of my position. Simply instructing students is not enough; I need to impart the reasons for learning the materials they're learning and how to apply things to their lives meaningfully. It is my hope that all of my students take what I have offered them, add their own expertise, and create a better world for all of us!