Faheiim Cooper ’26, English major and Education minor, has found a sense of community at Arcadia to help him pursue his many goals. 

Faheiim is a first-generation college student, which can add pressure to the college experience. His parents always encouraged him to attend college, and one day, his high school counselor suggested he apply for the Social Action and Justice Education (SAJE) Fellowship at Arcadia. This program prepares students to become educators through mentorship, training, and development opportunities. 

“Well, when I first went to college, it was nerve-wracking. I didn’t really know anybody and I was shy, off to the side. But I did another program called START. At START, I made friends and I’m still friends with them now, and it’s been real fun so far.”

START (Students Taking Active Responsibility Together) invites students who are interested in global engagement to move onto campus three days early to participate in Civic and Global Engagement activities and tours of Glenside and Philadelphia. 

Faheiim is also a part of the Black Awareness Society.

“Even before I came to the college, they were reaching out to me. We had this one night where we played video games where you got to meet other people part of the club. It was real fun. When we had the science fair outside, they even knew my name before I even said it. So it’s like they really cared. I like being around people of color and it feels like a real community to me. It’s real nice being a part of the program.”

Along with all of his extracurricular activities, he has many goals he hopes to achieve.

“Currently, I’m looking forward to being a teacher. I think I could be a good educator. I also want to be an author and create books, and I want to do that while I teach,” said Faheiim optimistically. “One of my dreams is to become a voice actor.”