Favorite Parts of Being Faculty at Chandler Gilberty Community College
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, most enjoys witnessing students discover their passions, even if it means deviating from traditional academic paths. A memorable example involved a student who, after Robert's encouragement to pursue their love for working at Home Depot, found fulfillment outside the classroom, highlighting Robert's focus on "connect[ing] with students on a personal level and help[ing] them…reach their goals," whether that involves school or not.
Career Exploration, Student Mentorship, Higher Education, Motivational Interviewing, Academic Advising
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Robert Soza
Faculty
Chandler Gilberty Community College
Arizona State University
UC Berkeley, Dept. of Ethnic Studies, PhD
Humanities, English, Writing & Education
Education
Education
HSI Grad, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Helping students discover their passions and goals.
2. Connecting with students on a personal level to offer guidance.
3. Understanding that academic success can take different forms and supporting students' individual paths, even if it means stepping away from traditional schooling.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
What I enjoy the most is seeing students figure out what they want to do. I have one story that I love telling; academically, it was a failure, but for the student, it was a complete success.
There was a young man in my English 102 class, which is equivalent to English 1B in the UC system, the second half of the freshman composition cycle. This young man was struggling and wasn't really enjoying the class.
It was the 12th week of the semester, near the end, when I pulled him aside. I asked him why he wasn't enjoying it. He told me he worked at Home Depot and loved it. He was learning a lot about tools and construction, and that's where his heart and head truly were.
I smiled and told him to finish the semester, go work at Home Depot, and if he wanted to come back, we'd be there. I did joke, "Don't tell your parents I said this, because I don't want anyone calling me telling me I told their son to drop out."
He didn't completely take my advice because he never came back to class. However, he did go and pursue what he loved at the time. He worked at Home Depot and did what made him happy.
For me, these are the important things: connecting with a student, as much as possible with a hundred students across five classes, on a personal level. I want to help them consider what they need to do to reach their goals. Sometimes that means leaning into school, and sometimes it doesn't.
That's what I enjoy the most: those light bulb moments when students figure out their passion and the steps they need to take to get there.
Advizer Personal Links