Meet Your Neighbor: Michael Gordon

Growing up, my stepdad was a Federal Agent, so I’ve lived in almost every state on the East Coast from New York to Florida. I’ve worked in every field, from food service to truck driving to construction to car sales.  

In 2012, I was working for a tow truck company when Hurricane Sandy hit New York. We volunteered our tow services to clear streets for relief efforts, but the business didn’t last long after that. When there was nothing left to do there, I volunteered my time at Hillcrest High School as a College Counselor.

Helping students at Hillcrest navigate the college application process ignited my passion for this field. It led me to a position with CUNY’s Bridge to College Program where I supported high school graduates as they transitioned to college. Now I am the Campus Coordinator for CUNY’s Strive for Success program at Queensborough Community College.  

What's awesome about this job is that I’m in the trenches with my students. I’m an active student myself who’s still finishing my degree. I understand the struggles my students are going through, because I’m right there with them.

QCH’s College Access and Success Program connects me with students who need support and guidance here at QBCC. I don’t know why I didn’t realize I should be doing this kind of work earlier in life. Now, I can’t see myself doing anything else.