By Tucker Paquette
@tpaquette17
Nancy Fields, the Administrative Coordinator for the School of Arts and Sciences at Springfield College, is very passionate about the work she does on Alden Street. What’s more, Fields has several interests she takes quite seriously and devotes meaningful time to when she’s off campus. Fields sat down with The Springfield Student to discuss these topics, her favorite parts about Springfield College and more.
The Student: What do you enjoy most about working at Springfield College?
Fields: “I love the community here. I love the campus. I love how warm it is. I moved here from Lowell, Mass. Coming from a community college there, working in that space and then coming to this bigger college, has been such a warming, welcoming time. It’s been a really great transition for me. Everybody’s just so kind, you know? Everybody’s so sweet, [they] open the door for you with no questions.”
The Student: What is the best part of your job?
Fields: “It’s definitely my boss, the Dean of Arts and Sciences [Rachel Rubinstein]. I love my job because of her. She’s so kind [and] sweet. Every day in that Dean’s office is just a wonderful place to be. I love everybody in our school.”
The Student: What does a typical day in your job look like?
Fields: “Often, I am tending to the Dean. I schedule her meetings, I’m setting up any projects she has for me, budgeting. One of my big projects that I actually do in that office is adjunct contracts. So, I’m collecting data from the admin associates in the arts and sciences. There’s seven to cover all eight of the departments, and we collect that data. Then I create contracts for all the adjuncts. My day-to-day normally is [focused on] making sure everything goes smoothly for the Dean.”
The Student: Why did you choose to work at Springfield College?
Fields: “Like I mentioned, I worked at a community college in Lowell, so that’s where I lived. In 2021, when I moved here, I really wanted to work in higher education. I saw that the school was hiring, [and] I was ecstatic because I’ve heard great things. My husband’s from here, he’s only said good things about Springfield College. So I was like, ‘you know what, I’ll take a shot.’ And I was very fortunate. Everything fell into place, and I got the job that I wanted. I’m very honored to be part of this amazing community here.”
The Student: What is the number one item on your bucket list?
Fields: “I’d love to go to Japan. That’s like the biggest thing on my husband and I’s bucket list. I’m not Japanese, I’m Vietnamese. However, we have a really big love for Japanese Culture. I’m actually learning Japanese on Duolingo, I’m on day 175 [or so]. I’m really proud. I would love to go to Japan, enjoy it, and stay for [about] a whole year. My goal in life is to retire there, buy a house and live out there.”
The Student: What would you tell your younger self and why?
Fields: “My biggest thing I would love to tell my younger self is know your worth. I think as a younger me at college and as a teenager, I wish I appreciated myself more. I feel like I would’ve been able to get through more of the hurdles [in life] if I understood how much I meant instead of putting others before myself.”
The Student: What are your passions outside of Springfield College?
Fields: “I have been a photographer for well over 10 years now. I started because I captured pictures of my daughter, and I was very intrigued and I loved it. Ever since, I’ve been doing fashion photography. I blend in my love for fashion and then create that in motherhood. I also co-found a women’s empowerment group called Girl Magic Meets. We do themed photo shoot meetups, marketing events and networking events [with the goal] of empowering women because photography is such a male-dominated space.”
Photo courtesy: Nancy Fields