Student Spotlight: Christine Faurbo
Christine Faurbo’s journey to Fort Scott Community College is rooted in something deeply personal—family. Originally from Kingman, Kansas, she chose FSCC to stay close to home and support her father, while pursuing a long-standing path in healthcare. Now a nursing major with an expected graduation date of 2028, Christine is balancing life, work, and school with determination and purpose.
Her interest in nursing comes naturally. “My family has always been in the medical field,” she shares, making her career choice feel like a continuation of something bigger than herself. But while the path may feel familiar, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
As a non-traditional student, Christine admits stepping into in-person classes pushed her far outside her comfort zone. “I was uncertain about how people would see me,” she says. “Life has a way of sneaking up on you, and I decided better late than never.” Her motivation runs deeper than personal achievement—she wants to show her son that age should never limit your goals. “No matter when, your goals are achievable.”
That mindset has carried her through one of her biggest hurdles: managing a demanding schedule. Between work, family, and school, flexibility has been key. “Thankfully, Fort Scott offers online classes, which has been extremely helpful,” she explains.
Despite the challenges, Christine has found joy and inspiration in her time at FSCC—especially in the classroom. Her favorite course so far? Microbiology. “Mrs. Springer is so much fun,” she says. “Her lectures are exciting and funny.” What might intimidate many students has become something Christine looks forward to. “You walk in thinking it’s going to be tough—and it is—but she makes it engaging. You find yourself laughing and can’t wait for the next class.”
Biology instructor Tracy Springer sees that same determination in Christine, noting, “Christine manages competing demands of life, work and school with a positive attitude.”
Christine is also quick to recognize the people behind the scenes who have made a difference in her journey. She highlights Amber in the FSCC Business Office as someone who has gone above and beyond. “If anything could go wrong with my account, it would—and did,” Christine says with a laugh. “Amber has been extremely persistent and helpful. She never gives up.”
Through it all, Christine has grown not just academically, but personally. She’s built connections, gained confidence, and embraced new experiences. Even though she’s still getting to know campus life, she describes the FSCC community as “extremely helpful.”
Looking ahead, Christine plans to enter the nursing program and earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSRN). Her long-term goal is to combine her RN credentials with homeopathic knowledge, blending traditional and holistic approaches to care.
On tough days, she finds strength in her family. “My son and my mother, who supported me up until her dying day,” she says, are her biggest motivators.
And if there’s one piece of advice she would offer future students, it’s this: “Advocate for yourself no matter what. Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you from reaching your goals.”
When asked to sum up her experience at FSCC in one word, Christine doesn’t hesitate: “Challenging.” But for her, that word carries meaning beyond difficulty. “I’ve had a lot of hurdles,” she says, “but I knew I wasn’t alone. Patience is key.”
Outside of school, Christine has a fun side that might surprise people—she’s a die-hard Doctor Who fan with a love for all things British.
In five years, she sees herself as a registered nurse, continuing her education and expanding her knowledge. And if her journey so far is any indication, she’ll get there with resilience, humor, and heart.