I was born and raised in Traverse City Michigan. I grew up attending Eastern Elementary School, East Middle School and Traverse City Central High School and was very active in any educational opportunity from theater to outdoor educational programs and classes. Nature has always been one of my greatest motivations to teach as it has guided me to discover and explore the world. I enjoy all aspect of outdoor activities and love my morning walks from coffee shop to books stores visiting the good great places of Traverse City.
After high school I attended Northwestern Michigan College where I received an Associates of Arts degree in liberal arts. After Northwestern Michigan College I attended Western Michigan University where I explored many different fields of study and potential majors that best suited my interests before deciding on Broadcast and Cable Productions with a minor in Psychology. I was very active in theater production and acting playing many roles including two summers performing and Riverside Shakespeare Productions.
After graduating from WMU I moved to Chicago to seeking professional work with Television or Film. While looking for work I took improvisational workshops through The Second City. I shot a documentary on the Chicago to Mackinaw Sail Boat Race. I also got a job at The North Face as a sales associate. I was fascinated with the history and technology that goes with building quality clothing and gear and found some passion in the technical side of the industry. I managed all the gear orders for all the sponsored athletes and became involved in special events, film series and workshops. My career grew here and was moved up to a Sales Manager in Seattle where I managed the overall store sales and revenue, staff management and created a training packet program to help in training new staff. I spent my time hiking, backcountry skiing, biking, rock climbing, mountaineering and dabbled in all the mountain sports. It was a blast! It was during this time I realized I wanted to be a teacher. So I applied and was accepted to attend Central Michigan University at the University Center in Traverse City Michigan.
After high school I attended Northwestern Michigan College where I received an Associates of Arts degree in liberal arts. After Northwestern Michigan College I attended Western Michigan University where I explored many different fields of study and potential majors that best suited my interests before deciding on Broadcast and Cable Productions with a minor in Psychology. I was very active in theater production and acting playing many roles including two summers performing and Riverside Shakespeare Productions.
After graduating from WMU I moved to Chicago to seeking professional work with Television or Film. While looking for work I took improvisational workshops through The Second City. I shot a documentary on the Chicago to Mackinaw Sail Boat Race. I also got a job at The North Face as a sales associate. I was fascinated with the history and technology that goes with building quality clothing and gear and found some passion in the technical side of the industry. I managed all the gear orders for all the sponsored athletes and became involved in special events, film series and workshops. My career grew here and was moved up to a Sales Manager in Seattle where I managed the overall store sales and revenue, staff management and created a training packet program to help in training new staff. I spent my time hiking, backcountry skiing, biking, rock climbing, mountaineering and dabbled in all the mountain sports. It was a blast! It was during this time I realized I wanted to be a teacher. So I applied and was accepted to attend Central Michigan University at the University Center in Traverse City Michigan.
After moving back home to Traverse City I found a job at Backcountry Outfitters to quench my thirst for the outdoor community lifestyle I love. I have found a greater appreciation for the city I grew up in now that I have come back. During the last couple of years I have become aware and involved in local community organizing and a passion for promoting local food, local & national arts and culture in our community. I have volunteered with many organizations including City Opera House, Bioneers, National Writers Series , local youth events and many events with Porterhouse Productions. Porterhouse Production focuses on community, the arts, social engagement, and environmental stewardship and it has been a journey discovering new friends and passions with this team. Through this journey I have learned to keep those things that are truly important close to me. These things are a natural curiosity, family, friends and my love of teaching. I also have a new respect for learning, and working with others to help them reach their education goals. I have a strong belief in respect, passion for life and nature, and a value for ownership and personal accountability in ones community and life. I strive to share this passion with my future students.
Will Havill's Portfolio 