Meet the Faculty: Mike Chirdon-Jones

Courses Currently Teaching

I'm the full-time academic advisor at Boyce Campus. 

 

Most Memorable CCAC Experience

One day, I was meeting with a co-worker in my office, and I heard a student checking in at the front desk. She said she really needed to talk to me. The advising secretary said that I was busy, but that she could see another advisor right away. I could hear the student say that she was really hoping to see me, so I stepped out of my office to say that would be fine.  It turned out that all she wanted to do was tell me that she had graduated from her program, and she  wanted to thank me for helping her understand the application process and program requirements. We high-fived a promised to look for each other at the graduation ceremony.  If I ever feel stressed, these are the moments that keep me motivated.

 

Why I Teach What I Teach

I love advising for two reasons. First, I like getting to know students on an individual basis. I enjoy making connections with students by talking to them about their goals and interests, helping them make plans and solve problems, and hopefully, helping them find a sense of belonging and connection to the college. Second, I love that I'm constantly being challenged to learn new things. I never thought I would know as much about health care careers as I do, but I've had to learn quickly to be an effective advisor at the Boyce campus! I enjoy working in an environment where I have the chance to learn something new every day from students, my colleagues in the advising office, and the faculty, administrators, and staff from across the CCAC system.

 

Something People Might Not Know About Me

Running has been a big part of my life. I met my wife through running cross country and track at Juniata College. Though I've slowed down considerably since my competitive racing days, I still run several times a week, and I've run marathons in Boston, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

 

Favorite Quote

"I tell my students, "When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.' This is not just a grab-bag candy game." ― Toni Morrison